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A black bear was shot and killed in western Tokyo on Monday under Japan's relaxed emergency shooting rules, marking the first time the measures have been used in the capital as authorities respond to a rise in bear attacks across the country.
The bear had been caught in a trap in Hachioji, a city in western Tokyo, before local authorities decided to carry out an emergency shooting, Kyodo News reported, citing the city government.
Takao Police Station was alerted to the trapped animal at around 3:30 p.m. local time, and the bear was shot roughly two hours later.
Under Japan's revised wildlife protection and management law, municipalities can commission hunters to shoot bears and other dangerous animals in populated areas during emergencies.
The rules were eased last year as authorities sought to respond more quickly to a growing number of bear attacks and reduce the risk of injuries.
Before the change, shooting animals in public spaces was generally prohibited, while police could authorize such action only when there was an imminent danger.
The Tokyo incident comes as Japan grapples with increasing encounters between bears and people, particularly in the country's northern and northeastern regions.
At least six people were killed and 55 others injured in bear attacks across 17 prefectures between April 1 and Aug. 22, according to figures reported by public broadcaster NHK.
The number of deaths was the highest recorded for that period since comparable records began in 2008.
During fiscal 2025, bear attacks affected 238 people across Japan, including 13 fatalities, according to the Environment Ministry.
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