Bear attacks have surged in Japan. I met the man who still hunts them
Bear attacks in Japan have increased significantly, with hundreds of incidents and 13 fatalities reported last year, prompting renewed attention on traditional bear hunting practices. Steve Madgwick profiles Tahata-san, one of only six remaining Matagi hunters, who continues to hunt Asiatic black bears in accordance with centuries-old cultural and spiritual traditions. The article explores the balance between wildlife management, cultural preservation, and the dangers of modern human-bear conflicts in rural Japan.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at SMH Traveller.