Bear sightings have become increasingly frequent in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, following an attack on a Spanish tourist by a bear cub last month. Bear prevention has become a top priority for the local government. Shirakawa-go, famous for its Gassho-style houses and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, attracts numerous domestic and international tourists. A Shirakawa-go official revealed that the area has received over 100 reports of bear sightings this year, far exceeding the approximately 35 reports last year, attributing this to an increase in the bear population and a shortage of natural food. Even more worrying is that a bear recently captured in Akita Prefecture lacked the fat reserves expected for hibernation, suggesting it may not even be in a hibernation state.
Following the tourist attack, authorities set up honey traps near the Shirakawa-go historical site, capturing six bears. In addition to setting traps, authorities have cut down fruit trees that might attract hungry animals and warned tourists to travel in groups, wear bells, and avoid certain areas. Statistics show that since April, 220 people nationwide in Japan have been injured in bear attacks, with 13 deaths. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom issued travel advisories for Japan last week, highlighting the safety risks posed by bear attacks. The photo shows tourists taking pictures next to bear warning signs erected in Shirakawa-go last week. (Reuters)
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