Japanese police and wildlife authorities killed more than 14,000 bears during the most recent fiscal year [1].
The surge in culling follows a rise in deadly animal encounters, prompting the government to authorize police to shoot bears to protect public safety.
Official data indicates that 14,601 bears were killed in the period ending March 2026 [2]. This figure represents a historic record for the country, averaging approximately 40 bears killed per day [2]. The scale of the operation marks a significant escalation from the previous fiscal year, during which roughly 9,000 bears were killed [5]. Some reports suggest the current culling rate is about three times higher than previous levels [6].
The decision to increase lethal measures was driven by a rise in fatal bear attacks, which resulted in 13 deaths [3]. In response to these casualties, authorities expanded the permissions granted to police officers to use firearms against the animals.
Wildlife officials have stepped up culling efforts nationwide to mitigate the risk to human populations. The shift in policy reflects a growing tension between urban expansion and wildlife habitats, as bears increasingly enter populated areas in search of food.
While the exact timeframe of the record is debated across reports—with some citing the year ending March 2025 [3] and others March 2026 [2]—the trend shows a sharp increase in the number of animals targeted by the state.
“14,601 bears were killed in the period ending March 2026”
The record number of bear killings signals a breakdown in the coexistence between Japan's human populations and its wildlife. By authorizing police to shoot bears, the government has prioritized immediate public safety over conservation, suggesting that traditional deterrents are no longer sufficient to manage the increasing frequency of bear incursions into residential areas.
