Japan has deployed Self-Defense Force (SDF) troops in several northern regions after a record wave of bear attacks left multiple people dead and injured. Authorities say the number of bear encounters this year has reached unprecedented levels, forcing emergency measures to protect rural communities.
According to Japanese media reports, at least six people have died and dozens more have been injured in bear attacks across Hokkaido and Akita prefectures since spring. Officials believe a shortage of food in the wild, combined with shrinking habitats, has driven bears into populated areas in search of food.
Local governments have requested military assistance to trap and relocate the animals, as traditional hunting teams have been overwhelmed. Footage shared by residents shows bears wandering through villages, damaging crops, and entering school zones — sparking widespread fear.
Environment Minister Shintaro Ito said authorities are intensifying surveillance and setting up baited traps near forests bordering residential areas. He added that Japan is also reviewing long-term wildlife management policies to prevent future conflicts.
Experts warn that climate change may be contributing to the rise in encounters, as warmer winters alter hibernation cycles and limit natural food sources like acorns and berries.
The Japanese government has urged citizens in affected regions to avoid mountain areas, travel in groups, and carry noise-making devices to deter bears. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched in schools and communities.
With bear sightings increasing in both frequency and aggression, the deployment of troops to trap bears underscores the seriousness of the crisis. Japan’s efforts now focus on restoring safety while balancing conservation goals amid growing human-wildlife conflict.
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