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Japan to Fast-Track Riverbank Clearing and Trap Permits to Curb Bear Encounters

The land ministry is targeting state-managed river corridors following a surge in bear incidents.

Overview

  • MLIT is accelerating tree and brush removal on riverbanks and riverbeds to eliminate cover used by bears.
  • Heavy machinery will be deployed to knock down vegetation at priority sites identified by recent sightings.
  • Permit procedures for installing box traps on river corridors will be simplified to speed capture operations.
  • Related costs are included in the government's 2025 supplementary budget proposal to fund expedited work.
  • Officials say bears frequently move from mountains into towns along wooded river margins, guiding where operations will focus.