Japan has taken decisive action in response to a surge in bear attacks that have unsettled local communities by deploying Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to assist with containment efforts in the northern region of the country. The operation began in Kazuno, nestled in the mountainous areas of Akita prefecture, where the spike in bear sightings prompted officials to seek military support for local residents struggling to cope with the situation.
For weeks, authorities had advised residents of Kazuno to remain indoors after dark and avoid wooded areas as bears scavenge for food near human habitation. The local bear department, managed by Yasuhiro Kitakata, expressed relief at the presence of the soldiers, stating that the fear the bears instill is unprecedented, with some residents surprised to discover that bears are approaching rather than fleeing from noise.
Since April, reports indicate over 100 bear attacks across Japan, resulting in a record 12 fatalities, primarily in Akita and neighboring Iwate. The governor of Akita noted a staggering six-fold increase in bear sightings this year, creating a sense of urgency that prompted the request for military intervention. The mayor of Kazuno, Shinji Sasamoto, highlighted the extent of fear among residents, which has altered their daily routines, such as cancelling outdoor events and curtailing movement around the town.
The deployed troops will help set up steel-barred traps designed to capture bears, which are then culled by licensed hunters in a bid to control the population. Local forestry officials have begun training soldiers in trap assembly, utilizing protective measures including bear spray and barriers for added safety.
Recent weeks have seen disturbing encounters, with bears invading supermarkets and attacking individuals near tourist sites, alongside sightings forcing the closure of schools. As bear interaction with humans peaks towards winter hibernation, conditions this year have driven bears to forage more aggressively for food due to a depleted natural food supply.
International response to Japan’s bear crisis could take inspiration from recent initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges, such as Japan’s emphasis on disaster resilience in its diplomatic engagements with Pacific Island nations. The overarching lessons gleaned from wildlife management in Japan could be of value in fostering sustainable coexistence between communities and the natural habitats they share.
Backed by the government’s announcement of emergency measures, including the recruitment of additional licensed hunters and relaxed firearm regulations for bear management, Japan is confronting its wildlife crisis with a strategic and comprehensive response. This proactive approach reflects not only a commitment to community safety but also a broader endeavor to balance human interests with ecological action amid shifting environmental conditions caused by climate change.