Iwakuni bucks nationwide bear trend

Iwakuni seems to be bucking the nationwide trend of increased bear sightings.

There had been only 60 sightings (including tracks) by the end of October, down more than 70% from the 230 reported in the same period last year. It is actually the lowest number in 5 years.

Among the reasons posited for the sharp decrease are a bumper crop of acorns deep in the mountains, reduced population due to the capture of many bears last year, and a local government program that subsidized the felling of abandoned chestnut, persimmon, and other fruit trees (3,000 yen per tree)

Officials are being cautious, however. They point to the possibility that the hot summer and warm autumn may have delayed bear activity, so both the bear and human populations may not be out of the woods yet.