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Japanese authorities feel strain of bear-related complaints as fear grips locals

In Japan, complaints about bears have strained the resources of 40 per cent of local governments amid a surge in encounters with the animals this…

By Samantha Johnson / August 12, 2026
In Japan, complaints about bears have strained the resources of 40 per cent of local governments amid a surge in encounters with the animals this year.

According to a government survey of 40 prefectural and municipal councils, 17 said bear-related complaints had disrupted their operations.

Of those, 10 reported complaints that took up a lot of time, such as phone calls lasting more than an hour, while five said they had received an overwhelming number of grievances via their websites and by email, Kyodo reported on Wednesday.

Frontline staff had to deal with aggressive residents, with one individual calling numerous times demanding they “put the governor on the phone”.

They also had to fend off conflicting requests – such as “don’t you ever kill bears!” and “why didn’t you kill it?” following the release of a captured animal.

A bear warning sign seen last November at Senshu Park, where bear sightings had led to restricted access in Akita, northeastern Japan. Photo: EPA
A bear warning sign seen last November at Senshu Park, where bear sightings had led to restricted access in Akita, northeastern Japan. Photo: EPA

One local government worker handling bear-related issues was targeted by an animal-rights activist, who took photos of the employee without permission and posted the images online.

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