According to hotel operators, bears were first spotted in the area about five years ago. Since then, businesses have taken precautions.
The Tateyama Prince Hotel, for instance, has installed warning signs and rents out bells for guests to ward off bears.
“We are now informed (about bear sightings) by the local authorities systematically through Line (the communication app) and emails,” said Yoshiko Endo, the hotel’s managing director.
“We relay to customers (the information) we receive and discourage them from going out (if bears are spotted). With the current bear problem, we are in a dilemma over whether to cut down trees and remove the (nearby) forest.”
Concerns over bear encounters are also affecting tourism.
“Tourists who were planning to come are very concerned about the bears. I hear they are showing reservations about visiting,” said Sayaka Hosokawa, an officer from the Omachi City Tourism Association.
As winter approaches, bear sightings have declined with the start of hibernation season. But officials warn the risks are far from over, as food shortages could keep some bears active.
Source: CNA
