Japan has taken significant steps to address an alarming increase in bear attacks across the country, deploying troops to the northern province to assist local communities overwhelmed by the rising danger. The operation commenced in Kazuno, a small town surrounded by lush mountains, where residents have been advised to steer clear of the forests and remain indoors after dark due to bears foraging near homesteads.
Yasuhiro Kitakata, the head of the town’s bear department, expressed relief at the arrival of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), noting the troubling shift in bear behavior that has made them more aggressive. “They actually come toward you,” he remarked, highlighting the fears of locals as they face a notable uptick in encounters with these wildlife.
The Ministry of the Environment reported over 100 bear attacks since April, resulting in a record 12 fatalities across Japan. A staggering two-thirds of these deaths occurred in Akita prefecture, where bear sightings have surged six-fold this year, reaching more than 8,000. This alarming trend prompted the regional governor to request military assistance just last week.
Kazuno’s Mayor, Shinji Sasamoto, noted that the ongoing threat has dramatically altered daily life, causing residents to refrain from outdoor activities and cancel various community events. The enlisted troops are responsible for deploying traps designed to capture bears, which will then be euthanized by trained hunters as part of a culling strategy.
Local forestry officials guided the soldiers in assembling and managing the traps, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. With reports of bears attacking individuals in public spaces such as supermarkets and assaults occurring near popular tourist sites, the increase in incidents has led to further action. Schools have temporarily closed at the sight of bears.
As fall approaches, bear activity typically escalates as these creatures prepare for hibernation. Kitakata explained the current food scarcity as a significant factor, noting that plentiful food in the mountains last year resulted in a greater number of cubs being born, which has exacerbated the situation this year.
Japanese black bears and larger brown bears found in Hokkaido pose the most significant threats, weighing up to 130 kg (287 pounds) and 400 kg, respectively. This is not Japan’s first encounter with wildlife control involving military assistance; past actions include aerial surveillance for deer hunts and managing sea lion populations.
In response to this crisis, Tokyo announced it would implement a series of emergency measures, including the recruitment of additional licensed hunters. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato emphasized that immediate action is crucial to address the rising instances of bear attacks, reiterating the imperative for effective bear management strategies to protect communities.
As Japan tackles this growing challenge, authorities and residents remain hopeful that swift and decisive actions will mitigate the risks posed by wildlife and restore a sense of safety in affected areas. The cooperation between local and military resources illustrates a proactive approach to wildlife management while fostering community resilience in the face of adversity.
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