As Golden Week approaches, officials are warning residents and tourists about a surge in bear sightings across Japan. In Toyama City, a bear measuring approximately 1.5 meters and weighing 86 kilograms was culled on April 30 through an emergency hunt after it appeared in a residential area.
"Spring bears," which are particularly active during this season as they emerge from hibernation, have also been reported in popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Nikko. Local authorities are urging visitors to stay vigilant and are ramping up countermeasures to prevent dangerous encounters.
The bear culled in Toyama was shot by licensed hunters under a special permit, a measure allowed only when bears pose an immediate threat to human life. Incidents of bears wandering into towns and near hiking trails have been increasing, prompting calls for improved waste management and public awareness campaigns.
With Golden Week travel in full swing, officials advise people to avoid leaving food unattended, make noise while walking in wooded areas, and report any sightings immediately. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor bear activity across the country.