Japan deploys soldiers to contain surge in bear attacks in Akita

"Unexpected encounters with bears are being reported almost daily in the lead up to hibernation season as the animals forage for food. The bears have been roaming near schools, train stations, supermarkets and even at a hot springs resort. Some of the encounters have resulted in injuries and even a number of deaths. The growing bear population's encroachment into residential areas is happening in a region with a rapidly aging and declining human population."

"The defence ministry and Akita prefecture signed an agreement on Wednesday to deploy soldiers to address the problem. Soldiers will set box-traps with food, transport local hunters and help dispose of dead animals. Officials say the soldiers will not use firearms to cull the bears. Fumitoshi Sato, the deputy chief cabinet secretary, said: Every day, bears intrude into residential areas in the region and their impact is expanding. Responses to the bear problem are an urgent matter."

Troops were deployed to Akita prefecture to help contain a surge in bear attacks as animals forage before hibernation. Encounters are being reported almost daily near schools, train stations, supermarkets and a hot springs resort, with some incidents causing injuries and deaths. Since April, more than 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan, according to the environment ministry. Soldiers will set box-traps with food, transport local hunters and assist with disposing of carcasses, while officials say firearms will not be used. Operations began in forested mountains of Kazuno city amid resource shortages and a rapidly aging local population.

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