Bloodthirsty Bears Wreak Havoc in Japan: Troops Deployed to Tame Savage Animals After Record 12 Deaths
- Japan’s northern regions plagued by wave of deadly bear attacks, with 12 people killed and over 100 injured since April
- Troops armed with bear sprays, sticks, and shields deployed to restore safety in panicked communities
- Poor acorn harvest and rural depopulation blamed for bears venturing into towns in search of food
Panic has gripped Japan’s northern regions as a record wave of deadly bear attacks has left 12 people dead and over 100 injured since April. In a desperate bid to restore safety, troops have been deployed to tame the savage animals. Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has scrambled to draft a special policy package to deal with the crisis, which has seen bears venture into towns in search of food.
A poor acorn harvest this year has triggered Japan’s growing bear population to come into towns, particularly in northern regions such as Akita and Iwate. Rural depopulation has also blurred traditional boundaries between towns and bear habitats, encouraging bears to expand their habitats towards residential areas, according to researchers.
The troops, armed with bear sprays, sticks, shields, goggles, bulletproof jackets, and net launches, will focus on trapping the bears rather than hunting them. Japan has strict gun laws, and the military’s role is limited to logistical assistance, including transporting bear traps, hunters, and captured bears.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Saito said the military’s focus was national defence, but they could help when possible. “We will do our best to assist the local authorities in dealing with this crisis,” he said.
Akita governor Kenta Suzuki, who has repeatedly warned that his region does not have the capacity to fight the animals, thanked the troops for their help. “By co-ordinating efforts with local municipalities, I hope to assist the activities of the Self-Defence Force troops,” he said at a signing ceremony in Akita with the military to mark the start of the program.
The crisis has sparked fears among locals, with many calling for increased measures to deal with the bear attacks. The government’s policy package, expected to be announced by mid-November, is likely to include increasing the number of hunters who can respond to urgent situations, such as bear sightings in residential areas.