Analysis of Citizens' Risk Perception and Behavior based on the Record of Asian Black Bears Appearing in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2020 and their Experience of Encountering

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how to coexist with black bears in Ishikawa Prefecture, where a record number of black bears appeared in the autumn of 2020, and to understand the current risk perception and coping behavior of prefectural residents, which could serve as a basis for the formation of a coexisting society. In line with the studyʼs objectives, we conducted a questionnaire survey using LINE, which has a high penetration rate, to conduct efficient sampling in rural areas where it is not easy to collect data according to regional characteristics and resident attributes. The survey was conducted in February 2021, with a sample size of 1,742 valid responses from the entire prefecture. Analysis of the obtained data showed that citizensʼ risk perception of bear encounters was increased by the occurrence of bears in their living areas and their experiences of encountering bears. Residents who had bear encounters in their living areas relied on various information sources, had higher knowledge, and took actual encounter avoidance actions when they had experienced encounters. Information communication is needed to stimulate more encounter avoidance behavior, for example, by communicating standards of real encounters.