Japan Deploys Military to Combat Increasing Bear Attacks
The Japanese military has been deployed in the northern region to help combat a surge in bear attacks, with over 100 incidents reported since April.
KAZUNO, Japan: The Japanese military has initiated an operation in the mountainous north of the country to assist in trapping bears following an urgent request from local authorities.
This move comes as residents in towns such as Kazuno have been living under advisement to avoid nearby forests, stay indoors after dark, and use bells to deter foraging bears.
According to the environment ministry, over 100 bear attacks have occurred across Japan since April, with a record 12 fatalities recorded.
Two-thirds of these deaths took place in Akita prefecture, where Kazuno is located, and in neighboring Iwate.
The deployment involves troops equipped with body armor and maps assisting in the transportation, setting, and inspection of box traps designed to capture bears.
However, trained hunters are responsible for culling the trapped animals using more suitable methods.
The operation began in Kazuno before expanding to Odate and Kitaakita under an agreement that will last until the end of the month.
The increase in bear encounters is attributed to various factors including rising bear populations, shifts in natural food sources due to climate change, and depopulation in rural areas.
Recent attacks have targeted locations such as supermarkets, hot spring resorts, and even schools, prompting urgent action from authorities.
Japanese black bears, known for their size up to 130 kg, and brown bears on Hokkaido island, which can weigh up to 400 kg, pose a significant threat.
This marks the second time in a decade that the military has been deployed for wildlife control operations in Japan; previously, they provided aerial surveillance for hunts of wild deer.
Additionally, logistical support was offered by the British army during mass culling efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.
In response to the escalating bear issue, Japan plans to recruit more licensed hunters and has already relaxed gun rules to allow for easier bear shootings in urban areas.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato emphasized the urgent need for countermeasures, highlighting the daily increase in injuries from bear attacks across many regions.
As a result, the deployment represents an essential step in addressing what is becoming a pressing public safety concern.
This move comes as residents in towns such as Kazuno have been living under advisement to avoid nearby forests, stay indoors after dark, and use bells to deter foraging bears.
According to the environment ministry, over 100 bear attacks have occurred across Japan since April, with a record 12 fatalities recorded.
Two-thirds of these deaths took place in Akita prefecture, where Kazuno is located, and in neighboring Iwate.
The deployment involves troops equipped with body armor and maps assisting in the transportation, setting, and inspection of box traps designed to capture bears.
However, trained hunters are responsible for culling the trapped animals using more suitable methods.
The operation began in Kazuno before expanding to Odate and Kitaakita under an agreement that will last until the end of the month.
The increase in bear encounters is attributed to various factors including rising bear populations, shifts in natural food sources due to climate change, and depopulation in rural areas.
Recent attacks have targeted locations such as supermarkets, hot spring resorts, and even schools, prompting urgent action from authorities.
Japanese black bears, known for their size up to 130 kg, and brown bears on Hokkaido island, which can weigh up to 400 kg, pose a significant threat.
This marks the second time in a decade that the military has been deployed for wildlife control operations in Japan; previously, they provided aerial surveillance for hunts of wild deer.
Additionally, logistical support was offered by the British army during mass culling efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.
In response to the escalating bear issue, Japan plans to recruit more licensed hunters and has already relaxed gun rules to allow for easier bear shootings in urban areas.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato emphasized the urgent need for countermeasures, highlighting the daily increase in injuries from bear attacks across many regions.
As a result, the deployment represents an essential step in addressing what is becoming a pressing public safety concern.
