Gently solving a big bear problem

For its own good: Researchers inspecting a captured Asian black bear near the resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano prefecture. — AFP

Karuizawa: Thousands of bears are being shot in Japan each year as they become more and more of a problem. Junpei Tanaka and his dog Rela, straining at her leash in the woods, have a kinder, smarter way.

People moving from rural areas and Japan’s ageing society – plus climate change affecting bears’ food and hibernation time – are prompting ever more of the hungry animals to approach towns.