Bear attacks and wildlife damage to crops on the rise in northern Japan

Growing friction with wild animals could be stoked by global warming

Bear Deer Top 2024-12

A wild bear attacked and injured a worker after entering this supermarket in a built-up district in the Japanese city of Akita early on Nov. 3. It took two days to trap the animal.  © Kyodo

ITSUKI MIYAKE, Nikkei staff writer

SENDAI, Japan -- Wildlife such as deer and boars are increasingly damaging crops in the Tohoku region on the north of Japan's main island, while human encounters with bears -- including attacks by the animals -- are also growing more common in the region.

This mounting friction between nature and local residents has been driven by global warming, according to some observers, as well factors connected to the nation's changing demographics.

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