Overview
- The Environment Ministry confirmed that bear-caused human victims in fiscal 2025 reached the highest level on record nationwide.
- Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki described the situation as extremely serious and requested national financial support due to shortages of response personnel.
- Suzuki said his request for Self-Defense Force cooperation has progressed to a point where units could begin operating within days.
- Authorities note the high risk of culling work, and national policy would assist local governments in staffing certified “government hunters.”
- In Aizu-Bange, Fukushima, a man in his 80s was attacked behind his home around 6:20 a.m. while spreading herbicide, sustaining head and shoulder wounds but remaining conscious.