Japan Deploys Military,Drones to Combat surge in Deadly Bear Attacks
TOYAMA,Japan – Facing a dramatic increase in bear attacks resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries,Japan is turning to unconventional measures,including deploying Self-Defence Forces personnel and utilizing drones that emit barking dog sounds,to protect its citizens. Teh escalation comes after a especially perilous autumn season saw a significant spike in encounters between humans and Asiatic black bears, prompting local governments to seek assistance from national resources.
This year’s surge in attacks - including a November 16th incident in Toyama prefecture – underscores a growing conflict between Japan’s human population and its wildlife, exacerbated by a changing climate and dwindling natural food sources for bears.The situation highlights a “deep-seated cultural tension” in Japan, where bears are sometimes revered as mountain deities within Shinto and Buddhist traditions, yet simultaneously pose a real threat to safety and property.
According to data cited by CNN, the number of bear attack incidents has risen sharply this year. In 2023 alone, there have been at least 69 injuries and 12 fatalities attributed to bear attacks as of November, substantially exceeding the typical annual numbers. This prompted prefectural governments, including those in Nagano and Gifu, to request assistance from the Self-Defense Forces.Soldiers are being dispatched to assist with patrols and to help residents secure their properties.
Beyond military support, authorities are experimenting with innovative deterrents. Drones equipped with speakers broadcasting barking dog sounds are being deployed in areas with high bear activity. The intention is to scare bears away from human settlements, mimicking the presence of a predator.
The increase in encounters is linked to a decline in the bears’ natural food supply,primarily acorns and berries,due to climate change disrupting seasonal cycles. This forces bears to venture closer to populated areas in search of food, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
Conservation groups like Kumamori, with 21,000 members, advocate for non-lethal solutions, urging the government to focus on habitat restoration and non-lethal deterrents.The hokkaido Bear Research Society similarly opposes bear culling except for legitimate hunting purposes. However, with the climate crisis expected to worsen, Japan is bracing for continued spikes in human-bear encounters each fall and spring, as noted by bear expert Suzuki on Instagram. “We are steadfast to make it thru the peak of this autumn season as well,” Suzuki stated.
