Post by : Rameen Ariff

Japan has mobilised Self-Defense Forces to support local officials in the northern town of Kazuno following a sharp increase in bear incidents. Authorities say the wave of attacks — responsible for 12 deaths and dozens of injuries since April 2025 — has pushed emergency measures as wildlife move closer to populated zones.

Kazuno, home to roughly 30,000 residents in Akita Prefecture, is among the hardest-hit communities. Officials have urged people to avoid nearby woods, remain indoors after dusk and carry bells or other deterrents. The prefecture recorded more than 8,000 bear sightings this year — about six times the usual rate — and roughly two-thirds of recent fatal encounters occurred in Akita and neighbouring Iwate.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato underlined the need for prompt action to protect citizens. Local governments sought assistance from the Self-Defense Forces, which are now helping move, deploy and monitor box traps designed to capture problem animals. Culling operations, when required, will be conducted by trained hunters.

Incidents have become more unpredictable and severe, with reports of bears entering supermarkets, attacking visitors at bus stops and injuring staff at hot spring resorts. Officials attribute the trend to growing bear numbers, climate-linked declines in natural food supplies and rural depopulation that has reduced the pool of experienced hunters.

Japanese black bears, common across much of the country, can reach about 130 kilograms (287 pounds); brown bears in Hokkaido can grow as large as 400 kilograms. Japan has a precedent for deploying the military in large-scale wildlife management — including operations a decade ago and logistical support for deer control and animal disease responses.

The current, military-assisted effort in Kazuno aims to lower risks to residents while prioritising humane capture and removal. Authorities say the situation underscores a broader human-wildlife conflict driven by environmental and demographic shifts.

#Global