Japan has mobilized its military to address a surge in bear attacks that have been causing fear among residents in the mountainous region of Akita. Incidents involving brown bears and Asiatic black bears have been occurring frequently as the animals search for food before hibernation, with sightings near various public areas. The Environment Ministry reported over 100 injuries and at least 12 fatalities from bear encounters across Japan since April.
In response to the growing encroachment of bears into residential areas due to an aging and shrinking human population, the government estimated the bear population to exceed 54,000. To mitigate the situation, soldiers have been deployed to Akita under an agreement between the Defence Ministry and the prefecture. Their tasks include setting traps, assisting local hunters, and removing deceased bears, without resorting to firearms.
Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki expressed urgency due to limited resources, while Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the soldiers’ primary focus on national defense, acknowledging the constraints on extended bear response support. The operation commenced in Kazuno city, where bear incidents have been prevalent, affecting local businesses like orchards.
Experts attribute the bear issues in Japan to factors such as abandoned areas with fruit trees luring bears into neighborhoods, exacerbated by the declining rural population. Addressing the need for culling to manage the bear population, suggestions include training law enforcement as government hunters and implementing better communication for bear warnings. The government’s task force aims to establish an official bear response plan by mid-November to tackle the escalating bear population in northern regions.
Overall, the lack of preventive measures has led to the increase in bear encounters, prompting the government to take action in collaboration with local authorities to safeguard residents from bear-related incidents.
