Polarized Public Opinion on Bear Management: Extreme Calls for Extermination Surge Amid Rising Encounters
In recent years, bear sightings have surged across Japan, leading to a serious increase in human casualties. This situation has caused public opinion regarding bear management to become highly polarized. Particularly, extreme views such as “exterminate the bears quickly” have spread online, and it has come to light that local governments are receiving numerous inquiries reflecting this sentiment. According to a report by Livedoor News, the Akita Prefectural Government has received a significant number of calls demanding the swift extermination of bears, alongside calls to “not kill bears.” Furthermore, inquiries to the Aomori Prefectural Government show that opinions favoring extermination account for 60% of calls, compared to 40% against killing, indicating a clear majority for the former. Both prefectural governments are openly expressing their dismay, stating that these calls from “extremists” are disrupting their operations. In response to this report, various opinions have circu...