The Japanese military has sent troops to the northern mountainous area of Japan to assist in capturing bears, following urgent calls from local governments dealing with a surge of bear attacks.
This operation initiated in Kazuno City, where residents have been advised to steer clear of dense forests, remain indoors after dark, and carry bells to deter curious bears from approaching their homes.
Data from the Ministry of the Environment indicates there have been over 100 bear attacks in Japan since April, marking a high with 12 fatalities.
Most of the incidents occurred in Akita Prefecture, where Kazuno City is located, as well as in the nearby Iwate Prefecture.
“Residents feel threatened daily,” shared Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto after interacting with around 15 soldiers who arrived in military trucks and jeeps carrying protective gear and large maps.
“People’s lives are disrupted as they can’t go out freely or are canceling events,” Sasamoto added.
While the military’s role includes transporting and setting up bear traps, the actual removal efforts are carried out by trained hunters armed with suitable weapons.
Authorities in Akita have reported a dramatic increase in bear sightings this year, rising sixfold to over 8,000, prompting the prefectural governor to request military assistance last week.
After their work in Kazuno, a town known for its hot springs and apple varieties, the soldiers are set to proceed to Odate and Kitaakita under an agreement in place until the month’s end.
Factors such as rising bear populations, shifts in food sources due to climate change, and rural depopulation are resulting in more encounters between bears and humans in Japan. Additionally, the aging population of hunters previously relied upon is struggling to manage the situation.
Recently, bears have even attacked customers in supermarkets, startled tourists at bus stops near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and injured workers at spas.
Some schools found it necessary to close temporarily after bears were spotted on or around the school grounds.
Typically, bear attacks surge in October and November as they forage intensively before hibernating.
Asian black bears can be found in most parts of Japan and weigh as much as 287 pounds, whereas brown bears on Hokkaido can reach up to 400 kg.
Approximately a decade ago, Japan’s military was dispatched to manage wild animal populations and oversee deer hunting from the air.
In 2001, the British military lent logistical support for mass culling of livestock affected by foot-and-mouth disease.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Takashi Sato mentioned in a Tokyo conference that Japan aims to recruit more licensed hunters as part of urgent measures to address the bear situation, which will be revealed later this month.
Recent adjustments to gun regulations have made it simpler for hunters to shoot bears in urban areas.
“With bears increasingly entering populated areas and injuries from attacks on the rise, addressing this issue cannot be postponed,” he emphasized.
