Persimmons apparently eaten by bear in western Tokyo - NHKニュース

Traces of a bear eating persimmons have been found in a mountainous area of western Tokyo, prompting officials to call for the ripe fruits to be harvested early.

Officials of Hachioji City say police received a report from the owner of a persimmon tree on Sunday that all the fruit had been found eaten. The area is within an Asian black bear habitat.

The city examined the site on Monday and spotted bear claw marks on a tree, scat and persimmon debris.

Since fruits such as persimmons and chestnuts can attract bears, the city is asking landowners in the area to cut down the trees if they find it difficult to harvest or appropriately manage them. The city has initiated patrols of the area along with police.