With acorns, wild grapes, and other key food sources scarce this year, bears have been drawn to residential areas in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward where chestnuts and walnuts remain. This shift in their foraging behavior has led to persistent bear sightings and increased safety concerns.
On September 26, a man was attacked in Heiwa Hill Park. Then, on October 8 and 9, bears were again spotted lingering and feeding within residential districts. While the bears involved now appear more composed than the one that attacked four people in 2021, their unpredictable behavior still poses serious risks.
Tamaki, a local expert, notes that firing weapons in populated areas is extremely sensitive, making it difficult to respond quickly to bear encounters. He stresses the importance of considering population control as part of a long-term solution to mitigate these incidents.
In the meantime, residents are urged to avoid risky activities such as hiking or walking at dawn or night while bear alerts remain in effect. If confronted by a bear, experts recommend the following steps:
– Remain calm.
– If the bear is distant, retreat slowly.
– If the bear is closer, raise your arms and speak gently to signal your presence.
– Seek substantial cover whenever possible.
Tamaki emphasizes that the best strategy is to maintain a safe distance and avoid encounters altogether. Staying informed and cautious can help reduce the risk of bear-related incidents as wildlife movements continue to be influenced by food scarcity this season.
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