クマの適正な個体数、秋田県内は1800～2500頭と設定　今年は1000頭の捕獲目指す方針 (26/07/15 19:00)

In response to a series of bear sightings in urban areas, Akita Prefecture announced on the 15th that it has set a target bear population of 1,800 to 2,500 in the prefecture, aiming to capture 1,000 bears in 2026, in order to maintain an appropriate bear population. According to the prefecture's information map system, Kumadas, there were 2,406 bear sightings from April to July 14th, 655 more than the same period last year. Bear sightings and attacks on people are occurring nationwide, including in Akita, and the Ministry of the Environment has begun a wide-area bear population survey using cameras in the six Tohoku prefectures and Niigata Prefecture for fiscal year 2026. Amidst these circumstances, a review committee composed of academics and other experts met in Akita City on the 15th and announced a policy to set the target bear population in the prefecture at 1,800 to 2,500. This population figure is derived from the estimated bear population of 3,900 in the prefecture as of April, the same number as the estimated population in 2011, before bear damage became severe. The prefecture aims to capture 1,000 bears in 2026 to approach its target population. Professor Kazuhiko Hoshizaki of Akita Prefectural University: "Saying 1,000 bears might be interpreted as capturing 1,000 bears every year, so the current guideline is to capture 5,000 bears in five years." The committee stated that the target population announced on the 15th is a "medium- to long-term target," and they intend to adjust the target population in the future, taking into account national surveys.