Possible expansion of Japanese black bear distribution in the southern part of the Abukuma Mts. (Ibaraki, Fukushima and Tochigi Prefectures), central part of Japan

Abstract

In recent years, expansion of Japanese black bear distribution has been confirmed in various parts of Honshu Island, particularly in the Tohoku region in Japan. The Abukuma Mts. is also not exceptional, with new distribution areas reported in their north. In this paper, we collected 14 cases of sighting and indirect information of bears in the southern Abukuma Mts. Because the data included a mother-cubs sighting and roadkill of a cub, we were suspicious that the bears have already become resident in the southern Abukuma Mts. Since bears have not occurred in the area over the last few decades, we urgently need to investigate the present status of the bear population in the Abukuma Mts., and should establish a range management plan with the consensus of the local people.