Japan deploys army to fight bears

Japan is calling on its military to combat the persistent bear problem. Last month, the country’s environment ministry reported that the Asian black bear or moon bear (Ursus tibetanus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations have attacked more than 100 people since March. With at least 10 casualties reported, the government announced on November 5 that it was stepping up its control efforts by deploying soldiers to Akita Prefecture, on the northern Japanese island of Honshu.

In a statement to reporters, Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki called the situation “desperate,” noting that sightings and attacks are now occurring daily. Threats are also increasing as the region’s estimated 880,000 bears continue to roam populated areas in search of food for winter hibernation.

The unprecedented increase in attacks is almost entirely due to humans, not the other way around. Climate change is reducing their food sources, forcing them to venture into neighborhoods and business districts in search of alternatives. Urban development is also extending further into the animals’ habitats, while Japan’s aging population makes them particularly vulnerable to attack.

“Every day, bears enter residential areas in the region and their impact is expanding,” said Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fumitoshi Sato, according to the ministry. Associated Press. “There is an urgent need to address the bear problem. »

Bear threats aren’t just physical. Japanese newspaper NHK reported that in one recent case, bears devoured more than 200 apples from a local orchard.

“My heart is broken,” the farm operator told NHK.

Currently, deployed troops are not instructed to shoot bears. Instead, they are currently tasked with setting food traps, transporting local hunters, and tending to their successful captures. However, Japanese hunters are generally not accustomed to bears as prey. For this reason, authorities urge residents to take training as “government hunters” in order to properly prepare for their excursions.

In late October, Japan also announced plans to establish an official bear task force by mid-November. Potential future steps could include bear population surveys, revisions to hunting law and even the use of a mass communication warning system for potential sightings.

Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Don’t settle for a gift card this year. Our list of editor-approved gifts fits every personality and budget.