Japanese black bears are entering human settlements not because they are starving but because they are drawn by leftover fruits on abandoned farms. A new study from western Japan showed bears venture near homes even when well-nourished. This happens especially during years when their main food, acorns, are scarce. Researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and Shimane Prefecture’s Mountainous Region Research Centre studied 651 Asian black bears killed as threats or in accidents between 2003 and 2018. They measured the bears’ fat levels — under the skin, around organs, and in bone marrow — to judge their nutrition. Usually, bears eat plenty of acorns in the fall to store fat for winter. Their fat levels peak then and drop after hibernation. Even in years with poor acorn crops, bears’ subcutaneous fat did not drop much. This means the bears were not starving when they entered towns. The bears seemed to be attracted by easy food sources like fallen persimmons and chestnuts. Shinsuke Koike, an ecology professor at the university said, "Measures such as removing ‘attractants’ like fallen persimmons and chestnuts and blocking bears’ entry routes into settlements are essential." The study was published in the journal of the Mammal Society of Japan. It noted the results might differ in other environments. But for now, residents are advised to clear leftover fruits to keep bears at bay.