Japan began deploying soldiers on Wednesday to Akita prefecture in northern Japan amid a string of deadly bear attacks that have had residents living in fear.
Japan’s Environment Ministry says there have been 100 bear attacks with 12 people killed across the country since April.
Residents of bear besieged town living in fear
The bulk of fatal attacks have taken place in Akita, accounting for around two-thirds of the deaths, prompting local authorities to appeal for help from the country’s military.
Local authorities said there had been more than 8,000 bear sightings, representing a six-fold jump this year alone, leading to calls last week for Japan’s Self Defense Forces to intervene.
The operation started in the town of Kazuno, where residents have been advised to steer clear of thick forests and stay home when darkness falls.
They’ve also been advised to carry bells in the hope of deterring bears that come looking for food near residential areas.
Danger being felt ‘every day,’ says mayor
“The townspeople feel the danger every day,” Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto said after meeting 15 or so soldiers who rolled into town in an army truck and several jeeps, equipped with body armor and large maps.
“It has affected how people live their lives, forcing them to stop going out or cancel events,” Sasamoto said.
Soldiers are helping set and inspect traps to capture the bears that will then be culled by trained hunters.
Black bears are common across most of the country, and can weigh up to 130 kg (287 pounds) while brown bears — on the northern island of Hokkaido — can weigh as much as 400 kg.
Climate change and rural depopulation are thought to be driving wild bears closer to people.
Experts say a poor acorn harvest has triggered Japan’s growing bear population to look for food in towns, particularly in northern regions such as Akita and Iwate.
Edited by: Rana Taha
