Japan Mobilizes Troops as Bear Attacks Surge
TOKYO – Japan has deployed troops to assist in controlling a rising number of bear attacks across the country, a rare move signaling the escalating severity of the situation. The deployment comes as attacks become increasingly frequent in populated areas,including incidents at supermarkets,bus stops,and even schools.
The surge in encounters is attributed to a combination of factors: a growing bear population, dwindling natural food sources linked to climate change, and the decline of a traditionally relied-upon hunter workforce. Last year saw a plentiful food supply in the mountains leading to a high number of cubs born, but this year’s scarcity is driving bears closer to human settlements.
Recent weeks have seen a string of alarming incidents. Bears have attacked customers in a supermarket, injured a tourist near a UNESCO World Heritage site, and maimed a worker at a spa. Some schools have temporarily closed due to bear sightings on thier grounds. Bear attacks typically peak in October and November as the animals prepare for hibernation.
“Last year, there was plenty of food in the mountains and many cubs were born. This year, the food supply has run out,” said Kitakata of Kazuna.
Japanese black bears, found throughout moast of Japan, can weigh up to 130 kg, while brown bears on Hokkaido can reach 400 kg.
This isn’t the first time Japan’s military has been called upon to manage wildlife. Troops previously provided aerial surveillance during a wild deer hunt roughly a decade ago and assisted with fur seal selection in the 1960s to protect fisheries.
The government is preparing a package of emergency measures, to be announced this month, which includes recruiting more licensed hunters. In September,gun regulations were relaxed to facilitate bear hunting in urban areas.
“As bears continue to encroach on populated areas in many regions and the number of injuries from bear attacks increases every day, we cannot afford to delay taking action against bears,” Deputy Chief Cabinet secretary Kei Sato stated at a recent news conference.