In northern Japan, the government has deployed troops for the first time in decades to combat wild animals – the Self-Defense Forces have launched an operation to capture bears in Akita Prefecture after an unprecedented increase in attacks, which have killed 12 people. This is reported by Reuters, writes UNN.
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The military arrived in the mountainous city of Kazuno, where bear sightings have increased sixfold in recent weeks, exceeding 8,000 incidents. Residents were urged to avoid forests and stay indoors after dark.
Even if it's only temporary help, the SDF (Self-Defense Forces – ed.) is a great relief. I used to think that bears always run away when they hear noise, but now they really come at you. They are truly terrifying animals.
According to official data, more than 100 bear attacks have occurred nationwide this year, most of them in Akita and Iwate prefectures.
City residents feel danger every day. This has affected how people live their lives, forcing them to stop going out or cancel events.
Soldiers set up steel traps, which are then checked and transported for culling by trained hunters. After Kazuno, troops will be sent to the neighboring towns of Odate and Kitaakita.
Environmentalists attribute the attacks to climate change, a lack of natural food, and a decrease in the number of hunters in rural areas. Bears, searching for food, enter cities – attacking shoppers in supermarkets, tourists near UNESCO sites, and workers at hot spring resorts.
The biggest escalation is expected in November, when the animals are actively looking for food before winter hibernation.
Japan plans to hire hunters to cull bears after 12 deaths31.10.25, 11:59