(MENAFN) Researchers at Sophia University in Tokyo have developed an online tool called the "Bear Encounter AI Prediction Map" to estimate the likelihood of human-bear interactions across 19 regions, as stated by reports.

The AI-powered map analyzes local environmental conditions and previous sightings to forecast potential bear-related risks, aiming to help residents, visitors, and local authorities prepare for possible encounters. Bear attacks have increasingly become a public safety concern.

The project, led by data science expert Associate Professor Yusuke Fukazawa, evaluates sighting data from the past one to three years along with factors such as forest density, road networks, and population patterns.

Their findings indicate heightened risk zones along mountain foothills, river corridors where bears can move unnoticed, and secluded valley roads, with older communities particularly vulnerable.

On October 20, the team launched a color-coded map that categorizes each square kilometer into five risk levels, from low to very high, corresponding to an estimated 0–20% to 80–100% chance of bear presence.

The initiative comes in response to a record number of bear attack fatalities, with 13 deaths reported between April and November 5, according to Japan’s Environment Ministry.

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