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Record 2,013 Bears Captured in Hokkaido's Urban Invasion

2/27/2026

45 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Hokkaido, Japan, 2,013 brown bears were captured in the first 10 months of fiscal 2025, a record nearly double fiscal 2024's 1,026.
The rise follows a poor acorn crop that drives bears into urban areas.
The figure surpasses the 1,804 record set in fiscal 2023.
The count includes only bears captured with permission using rifles or traps and will rise as bears added with central government approval are counted.

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Story summary

In Hokkaido, Japan, 2,013 brown bears were captured in the first 10 months of fiscal 2025, a record nearly double fiscal 2024's 1,026.
The rise follows a poor acorn crop that drives bears into urban areas.
The figure surpasses the 1,804 record set in fiscal 2023.
The count includes only bears captured with permission using rifles or traps and will rise as bears added with central government approval are counted.