Japan is taking significant steps to address an alarming rise in bear attacks that have left local communities feeling threatened. The government has deployed Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to assist with containment efforts in the northern regions, particularly focusing on the city of Kazuno in Akita prefecture, which is experiencing an unprecedented number of bear sightings and encounters.
In recent weeks, authorities have advised residents of Kazuno to stay indoors after dark and avoid wooded areas, as bears have been increasingly scavenging for food near human settlements. Yasuhiro Kitakata, head of the local bear department, expressed relief over the military’s involvement, underscoring the rising fear among residents who were shocked to find bears approaching rather than fleeing from disturbances.
Since April, Japan has reported over 100 bear attacks, resulting in a record 12 fatalities, primarily within Akita and the surrounding Iwate region. The governor of Akita highlighted a concerning six-fold increase in bear sightings this year, which has prompted authorities to call for military assistance. Kazuno’s mayor, Shinji Sasamoto, noted that this crisis has significantly affected residents’ daily lives, leading to the cancellation of outdoor events and a general reluctance to move around town.
The SDF troops will assist in setting up steel-barred traps aimed at capturing bears, while licensed hunters will manage the culling of those captured. Local forestry officials have begun training soldiers on trap assembly and safety protocols, including the use of bear spray and protective barriers.
Bear encounters have become increasingly troubling, with reports of bears invading supermarkets and attacking individuals near tourist sites. Additionally, the heightened number of sightings has even led to the closure of schools. As the bears prepare for their winter hibernation, tough conditions this year have compelled them to search for food more aggressively due to a shortage in their natural food supply.
In light of these challenges, Japan’s international engagement on wildlife management may also draw from recent environmental initiatives. The country’s efforts to maintain disaster resilience in discussions with Pacific Island nations may serve as a framework for addressing the bear crisis, highlighting the need for a sustainable coexistence between human populations and wildlife.
With the government announcing emergency actions—such as recruiting additional licensed hunters and relaxing some firearm regulations—Japan is confronting its wildlife crisis with a proactive and strategic response. This initiative reflects not just a commitment to protecting community safety but also an endeavor to harmonize human activities with ecological concerns, especially in the face of ongoing climate change.