Japan Deploys Troops To Fight A Wave Of Deadly Bear Attacks

UNSPLASH/Mark Basarab ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Japan deployed troops to a steep northern region of the country to help trap bear residents having difficulty dealing with an unprecedented wave of attacks.

The operation began in Kazuno, a small town located between forested mountains that had seen a sharp increase in bear sightings.

For weeks, residents have been urged to avoid dense forests and stay indoors after dark to avoid bears looking for food near home.

"Even though it's only temporary, the SDF aid is very relief," said Yasuhiro Kitakata, who oversees the city's bear department.

"I used to think bears would always run when they heard sounds, but now they're really coming to you. They're really scary animals."

There have been more than 100 bear attacks with a record 12 people killed across Japan since April, according to the Ministry of Environment. Two-thirds of the deaths occurred in Akita Prefecture, where Kazuno is located, and Iwate is nearby.

In Akita, authorities say the bear sightings have jumped sixfold this year to more than 8,000.

The attack was on track to set a new record, prompting its governor to seek help from the Self-Defense Forces last week.

"City residents feel danger every day," said Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto, after meeting about 15 soldiers who came to the city in trucks and army exhausts, equipped with body protection and a large map.

"This has affected people's way of life, forcing them to stop leaving or cancel events," Sasamoto said.

The troops were there to transport, install, and examine the steel-lined traps used to catch bears which were later shot by trained hunters hired to eradicate their population.

On mountain roads outside the city, local forestry officers showed soldiers how to assemble and load traps into trucks.

White helicopter troops carry bear sprays and are guarded by others with long wooden shields and sticks shaped like rifles which are usually used for airlifting exercises.

"I think maybe something caught fire," said a local resident who stepped out to see what was happening. My brain was burning hard to scare the bear. "We're all trying not to see the bear, but we keep hearing about the people being attacked," he said, refusing to say his name.