As of the end of January, 70 people in Akita Prefecture had been attacked and injured by bears. 90% of seriously injured patients suffered facial injuries.
More than 200 people affected by bears this fiscal year; Ministry of the Environment to present countermeasures. Local governments in Hokkaido and Tohoku requested the national government to add bears to the list of "designated birds and animals under management," along with sika deer and wild boars. In response, a committee of experts set up last December, and on the 8th, the committee will present counter measures.