Bear sightings and circumstances around the Karuizawa Hoshino area

Bear sightings have been reported in the area from the Karuizawa Hoshino area to the Sengataki villa area. To ensure the safety and peace of mind of visitors and local residents, we would like to inform you of the situation and countermeasures that Picchio currently understands.

• Current situation
While the number of bear sightings has increased, it doesn't mean that a large number of bears have settled in the area. We believe it's just one young bear (slightly larger than a Shiba Inu) that has recently left its mother and is moving around in search of the fruit of the mountain cherry trees that ripen at this time of year.

Current response
The Karuizawa Town Environmental Division's Wildlife Management Section and Picchio are working together to set up traps and strengthen patrols and deterrent activities to drive bears back into the mountains to the north.

Requests and measures for everyone
The bears currently being sighted are avoiding humans when they sense their presence. There is no need to be overly afraid, but to prevent unexpected encounters, we ask for your cooperation with the following points.

-When walking in areas with many trees and bushes, please carry something that makes noise, such as a bell or a radio.
-Please be especially careful when passing through areas with poor visibility, such as near dense bushes.

We ask for your understanding and cooperation in our efforts to ensure that humans and wildlife can live together safely while maintaining a safe distance from each other.

> To all visitors of Karuizawa: How to maintain a safe distance from bears (Picchio)