Japan has dispatched soldiers to its northern mountains following a dramatic increase in bear attacks that have resulted in 13 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries since April. The Self-Defense Force arrived in Akita Prefecture equipped with bear spray, shields, and steel traps to address what has become the deadliest year for bear encounters in over a decade.
The deployment comes after a spate of violent incidents, including the tragic death of a 79-year-old woman who was mauled by a bear in the woods of Akita on Monday. The following day, a bear attacked a 77-year-old newspaper deliveryman, injuring his face and hand. According to NBC News, these incidents highlight the urgent need for action as bears have increasingly ventured into populated areas, attacking near supermarkets, schools, and bus stations.
Military Response and Community Impact
During a signing ceremony on Wednesday, military commander Yasunori Matsunaga acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “We recognize that the harm caused by bears is in a critical situation in Akita Prefecture. Starting today, we will begin carrying out our mission while taking various needs into consideration.” The operation will commence in Kazuno City and expand to other affected areas through the end of the month.
Soldiers will be tasked with setting box traps for bears, transporting hunters to dispatch captured animals, and disposing of carcasses. Local officials expressed relief but also concern over the ongoing threat. Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto remarked on the anxiety felt by residents, saying, “The townspeople feel the danger every day. It has affected how people live their lives, forcing them to stop going out or cancel events.”
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the military’s role in ensuring public safety but cautioned that ongoing intervention in bear control measures is unsustainable, stating, “We cannot involve ourselves in bear countermeasures indefinitely.”
Underlying Causes of Increased Bear Encounters
Japan is home to two bear species: the Asiatic black bear and the Hokkaido brown bear. Wildlife experts attribute the rise in attacks to several factors, including urban migration from rural areas and a decline in hunting activities. Local governments have advised residents to remain indoors after dark and to avoid wooded regions to minimize the risk of encounters.
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to explore long-term solutions to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict, aiming to ensure the safety of residents while also considering the ecological impact of bear populations in the region. The military’s deployment marks a significant step in addressing this urgent public safety issue, reflecting a growing concern over human interactions with wildlife in Japan.
