Authorities in Susono City are managing an unprecedented surge in Asian black bear sightings near the base of Mount Fuji [1].
This increase in wildlife activity poses a significant safety risk to residents and tourists arriving for the summer climbing season. The sudden shift in bear behavior has forced local government officials to implement emergency capture measures and issue public warnings to prevent human-wildlife conflict.
Mayor Yu Murata said, "Something is happening that has never happened before" [1]. The city has recorded approximately 20 sightings this year [2], marking a sharp increase from previous periods. In a particularly intense streak, bears were spotted for seven consecutive days starting last week [1].
Wildlife experts believe a distinct group, known as the "Fuji region population," consists of approximately 100 bears in the area [2]. While the exact cause of the sightings remains unclear, officials said that the start of the summer mountain season and changes in available food sources may be driving the animals closer to human settlements [2].
Local authorities have already taken action to mitigate the threat. On May 17 and 18, one Asian black bear was captured in a box trap and subsequently culled [3]. These efforts are concentrated around the city and areas near Mizugatsuka Park [1].
Despite the warnings, the mountain has officially opened for the season. At a recent safety prayer ceremony, some hikers expressed their readiness for the risks. One hiker said they brought a bear bell, a water bottle, bear repellent spray, and a sickle for protection [2].
“"Something is happening that has never happened before"”
The emergence of the 'Fuji region population' suggests a stabilizing or expanding bear habitat in an area previously considered low-risk. As these animals adapt to the proximity of Mount Fuji's tourism infrastructure, the risk of habituation to human food sources increases, likely necessitating a long-term shift in how Susono City manages its wilderness boundaries and tourist safety protocols.
