Japan's Environment Ministry Issues Guidelines for Emergency Bear Shooting in Urban Areas Effective September 2025 with Safety Procedures

Japan's Environment Ministry has released new guidelines permitting the emergency shooting of bears and other wild animals in urban areas starting in September 2025. The guidelines outline specific conditions and procedures to ensure safety when using firearms in populated settings. This move follows a rise in bear sightings and related incidents in city areas. The guidelines are aimed at municipal authorities and are part of the enforcement of the revised Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law, which takes effect in September. The ministry emphasizes that all shooting must be conducted under safety-first principles to protect residents and manage wildlife risks effectively.