Bear attacks drive boom in Bear meat demand in Japan

Japan is facing a record number of deadly bear attacks, forcing authorities to ramp up wildlife control measures across the country. As bears are culled to protect communities, restaurants are reporting a sharp increase in demand for bear meat — a traditional but rare dish. Officials now see the meat as both a safety solution and an economic opportunity for rural regions, even as concerns remain over sustainability, processing shortages, and the growing human-wildlife conflict.