I spent the Obon holidays in my hometown of Hokkaido. In recent years, Hokkaido has been plagued by bear sightings. Even in Sapporo, bear sightings have been confirmed in Minami Ward and other areas. My parents’ house is on the opposite side of Minami Ward, but I still can’t feel safe. Apparently, some bears swim up the Ishikari River and enter the city. If that’s the case, it’s not surprising that they’ve appeared near my parents’ house, and it’s not something that can be ignored. In recent years, when a bear is shot after attacking a person, criticism floods the country. Animal welfare is important, and overhunting is unacceptable, but when human lives are at stake, it’s not something that can be ignored. (Kei)

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