Hunger not driving bears to populated areas in western Japan: study

Bears entered areas near human dwellings despite being adequately nourished, even during years when acorns were scarce in their natural habitats, likely attracted by fruit trees left on abandoned farmland, a recent study in western Japan showed.The research team, which included the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and Shimane Prefecture's Mountainous Region Research Center, examined the links between acorns, the bears' main autumn food source, and their body fat. Japan's recent rise in bear intrusions has partly been attributed to food scarcity in their natural habitats.The fi…READ FULL ARTICLE