Impacts of Excessive Japanese Black Bear Appearances on Residents' Daily Lives:

Health and social effects

Abstract

In 2020, a human–wildlife conflict (HWC) occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture owing to the excessive appearance of the Japanese black bear (JBB). Focusing on hidden impacts other than crop and human injuries caused by HWC, this study investigated behavioral changes in residents and the impacts on health and social relations. Research on the health and social impacts of HWC is limited, and an analysis based on an online survey conducted in February 2021 yielded the following new results: 1) adverse health effects can only be expected if there is an extreme decrease in outdoor activity, 2) mental health effects are more pronounced if the decrease in time spent outdoors makes it difficult to maintain the status quo, and 3) decreased activity over time is associated with the loss of psychological well-being and the risk of insomnia and depressive symptoms. Presumedly, the symptoms caused by HWC related to JBBs manifested in society. In this case, there will be a negative social impact of weakening the rural community, which is maintained by residents’ proactive self-governing behavior. At the individual level, an increase in medical expenditure is also expected to negatively impact household finances.