TOKYO - An Asian black bear was killed Monday in western Tokyo after it was found caught in a trap, marking the first time relaxed rules on emergency shootings of dangerous animals have been applied in the Japanese capital since their introduction last year in response to a rise in bear attacks.
According to the Hachioji city government, Takao Police Station notified the local government at around 3:30 p.m. that a bear had been found caught in a snare in farmland in Otsumachi. The city mayor approved the emergency shooting, which was carried out about two hours later.
The city said in a press release that the shooting was authorized to ensure the safety of the local population. The Otsumachi area is known as a habitat for Asian black bears. The bear shot Monday is believed to have been a female measuring about 70 centimeters in length.
Under a revised law on wildlife protection and management, municipalities in Japan have been granted the power to commission hunters to carry out what are known as emergency shootings of bears and other dangerous animals in populated areas.
The move was intended to enable quicker action to prevent harm. Previously, animal shootings were generally banned in public spaces, with only police authorized to permit them in cases of imminent danger.
