Overview
- Operations began in the city of Kazuno, where army vehicles and more than a dozen personnel are supporting the placement and upkeep of traps.
- Troops will not shoot the animals, as licensed hunters are tasked with the cull and authorities have not set public targets or a timeline.
- Since April, roughly 100 people have been attacked nationwide with at least 12 deaths, while Akita has recorded 4 deaths and over 50 attacks since May.
- Bear sightings have surpassed 8,000 in Akita—about six times the usual level—which officials link to climate pressures, rural depopulation and fewer active hunters.
- Officials have advised residents to avoid forests and stay indoors after dark, events have been canceled, and incidents have reached residential areas, schools and supermarkets.