Japan deployed its Self-Defense Forces to Akita, a mountainous northern prefecture on Honshu Island, after a surge in bear attacks in the region, according to the Associated Press (AP).
As brown and Asiatic black bears search for food before hibernation, encounters with wild animals have surged, frequently reported near homes, schools and public facilities. Since April, over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed nationwide, the AP reported, citing Japan’s Environment Ministry.
The Defense Ministry agreed to deploy troops in Akita Prefecture to assist in setting traps, transporting hunters and removing carcasses. Officials emphasized that soldiers will not use firearms.
«Bears are entering residential areas every day, and the impact is growing,» Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fumitoshi Sato said, calling the situation urgent.
In Kazuno city, the operation began with soldiers equipped with bear spray and net launchers setting traps near orchards, where local farmers have reported heavy crop losses.
Akita Gov. Kenta Suzuki stated that manpower shortages have hindered the local response, while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi noted that the military’s support would remain limited due to staffing constraints.
Experts attribute the growing problem to Japan’s aging rural population and the declining number of trained hunters. They urge the implementation of new measures, including official training programs, bear population surveys and enhanced warning systems.
