A suburb on the outskirts of Tokyo is implementing new safety measures in response to a rise in bear encounters in the area. The local government of Hachioji announced an emergency budget to purchase 700 anti-bear sprays for distribution to schools and community organizations, aiming to enhance protection amid increasing wildlife intrusions.

Statistics from Japan’s environment ministry reveal a troubling uptick in bear-related casualties nationwide. Last fiscal year, a record 13 people were killed by bears, and from April 1 to May 30 of this year, there have already been five fatalities and 20 reported injuries linked to bear attacks. These figures have raised concerns about human safety, particularly in regions bordering forested areas.

Hachioji, located at the edge of the Tokyo metropolitan area, is known for its popular hiking trails that attract residents from the capital, especially on weekends. Since April, local authorities have documented eleven sightings or signs of bears, including footage captured by a motion-activated camera showing a black bear near a residential home on April 29.

In response, the city plans to allocate approximately 15 million yen (about $93,000) toward various deterrent tools, including anti-bear spray, movable electric fences, and devices emitting high-frequency sounds designed to repel the animals. Ryosuke Sato, a spokesperson for the local government, emphasized the need for multiple strategies to address the growing risk posed by bear sightings.

Additionally, Hachioji officials are preparing an action plan to mobilize hunters and implement further measures should bears intrude into local neighborhoods. The coordinated effort reflects heightened vigilance as suburban areas grapple with increased wildlife encounters stemming from the expansion of human settlements into natural habitats.