"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. Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki signed a cooperation agreement with Japan Self-Defense Force Commander Yasunori Matsunaga on bear attack preventionImage: Hidenori Nagai/Yomiuri Shimbun/AP Photo/picture alliance"
""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."
Soldiers from Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to Akita prefecture to assist local authorities in responding to a surge in bear attacks. Since April there have been 100 bear attacks nationwide with 12 fatalities, with around two-thirds of deaths occurring in Akita. Authorities report over 8,000 bear sightings, a six-fold increase this year, prompting cooperation between Akita's governor and JSDF commanders. In Kazuno soldiers are helping set and inspect traps; captured bears will be culled by trained hunters. Residents are advised to avoid thick forests, stay home after dark, carry bells, and cancel events. Experts cite climate change, rural depopulation, and a poor acorn harvest as drivers.
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