​Listening

Japan Creates Emergency Plan to Stop Bear Attacks

Japan’s government has made an emergency plan because bear attacks are increasing across the country. Since April, 13 people have died and more than 100 have been injured by bears. This is the highest number since records began in 2006. Experts say the plan is needed to protect people from more accidents.

The new plan includes reducing the number of bears in places where they have recently been seen. The government will also set capture targets for each region. In addition, many areas will create buffer zones to keep a safe distance between bear habitats and human towns.

In Japan, there are two kinds of bears. Their populations have become much larger over the past ten years. The number of Asian black bears has grown from about 15,000 in 2012 to around 44,000 today. Ussuri brown bears, which live mainly in Hokkaido, have also doubled in number.

There are several reasons for this increase. One reason is that beech nuts, an important food for bears, are becoming less available because of climate change. Another reason is that there are fewer licensed hunters, who used to help control bear numbers. Finally, many people have left rural areas, so bears are coming into towns and villages more often.

​Homework

🐻✨ EIKEN 3 Writing Prompt – “How Can We Reduce Bear Problems Humanely?”

(For High School ESL Students)

Prompt:
In Japan, bear attacks are increasing because more bears are entering towns and villages. The government is making a new plan to keep people safe and protect bears.

💬 Question: What humane idea do YOU have to help solve the bear problem?
Write 4–6 sentences explaining your idea.

やさしく (yasashiku) — “kindly / gently”

動物にやさしい方法で (dōbutsu ni yasashii hōhō de) — “in an animal-friendly way”