Lessons to limit bear attacks in Japan

Bears are a problem for people in Japan. Last year, bears killed more people. 13 people died. 238 other people were badly hurt. From April to June this year, 5 people died.

School children in Japan get safety lessons about bears. Special teachers show them bear fur. They can feel bear claws and hold a bear skull too.

Most bears in Japan are Asian black bears. They usually live in the mountains.

But now, more bears are coming into towns. The climate's changing and they're looking for food. This is making bears less scared of people.

This school in Tohoku has special rules if people see bears in two places. Parents have to drive their children to school. Then, special buses take them home.

The bear lessons teach children to stay safe. You shouldn't look into a bear's eyes. You should move away, but without turning around.

Children learn ways to stay safe outside, too. They should carry bear bells and a bear spray. Bears keep away from noise, so children should talk loudly outside.

Headteacher Hiroshi Aruga likes the bear lessons. They stop problems between people and bears. Fear makes bears dangerous.

Hiroshi Aruga: "Dr Takii well understands the behaviour of wild bears in this area, and she assures they are not aggressive. I am convinced it's safe to live with them as long as humans don't provoke them." View Less