A suburb of Tokyo has unveiled an emergency budget to purchase 700 anti-bear sprays for distribution to schools and community organizations, responding to a growing number of bear encounters in the area. The local government announced the plan on Wednesday amid rising concerns over bear activity encroaching on residential and recreational spaces.

The initiative comes as Japan faces an increase in bear-related incidents nationwide. According to the environment ministry, the country recorded a record 13 fatalities caused by bears during the last fiscal year. Moreover, between April 1 and May 30 of the current year, five additional deaths and 20 injuries linked to bear encounters have been reported.

Hachioji, located on the outskirts of the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a popular destination for weekend hikers who frequent its forested mountain trails. The region has experienced heightened bear activity, with local authorities recording 11 bear sightings or signs since April. Notably, a motion-activated camera captured footage of a black bear near a residential property on April 29.

To address these risks, the city plans to allocate 15 million yen (approximately $93,000) to enhance safety measures. The funds will cover the purchase of bear deterrent sprays, as well as movable electric fences and devices designed to emit high-frequency sounds to discourage bear approaches. Ryosuke Sato, a spokesman for the local government, outlined these measures as part of a broader effort to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

In addition to protective equipment, Hachioji officials are preparing an action plan that may involve summoning professional hunters if bears enter populated neighborhoods. The comprehensive approach aims to ensure public safety while managing the increasing presence of bears in areas where human activities and wildlife habitats overlap.