Frightening news came out of Japan this week when it was revealed that the military has been directed to help people in the community due to a rise in bear attacks. Many publications, including ABC News, reported the story, and it has many observers wondering just what is happening in the Asian island nation. We’ll explore the details surrounding the rise in Japan’s bear attacks, including why they are occurring and what the military is doing to solve the horrific problem.
What’s Happening in Japan
Many bear attacks are happening in the Akita prefecture area of Japan.
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This rise in bear attacks made big news on Wednesday, when it was reported that sightings have increased dramatically as of late. While bear attacks are occurring in many areas of Japan, most have been reported in the country’s mountainous regions, particularly in the towns of Kazuno, Iwate, and other parts of the Akita prefecture.
While bears have always been common in the area, authorities report that the sightings have multiplied to over 8,000 this year alone. Of those many encounters, there have been over 100 bear attacks, and 12 people have been killed. The situation has become so dire that the governor of Akita prefecture had to ask Japan’s military for help.
Why Are The Bears Attacking?
Experts point to many potential sources for the escalation of bear sightings and the rise in bear attacks.
A common belief is that the rise in attacks is due to the bears’ inability to find food. Acorns and beechnuts are amongst their primary food sources. Scientists believe that, due to climate change, food is harder to find in the wild, leading bears to head into residential areas to see what they can find in homeowners’ yards. At times, bears have even ventured inside homes. This issue has been further escalated due to the time of year; during the weeks leading up to winter, bears attempt to find as much food as possible before they hibernate for the winter.
The bears are becoming bolder as their situation becomes more dire. There have been reports of bears entering supermarkets, as well as attacking tourists while they wait for the bus. As a result of the continuous attacks, many social and community events have been canceled. Schools have also temporarily shut their doors until the situation improves. In their search for food, some bears are heading into farms and apple orchards, harming the livelihoods of those who grow the food to support their income.
Why Are They Going to This Area?
The Japanese black bear is an intimidating creature that is often involved in the altercations in the area.
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It has commonly been believed that bears are scared of humans and will rarely attack unless they feel threatened. While that’s typically the case, experts believe the rise in attacks has reached such a level due to the aging bear population in the area. Many are unable to hunt, defend themselves, or run away from people, leaving them with little option other than violence. Additionally, people from rural areas are moving to cities at a fast pace. With a reduced rural population, bears are less afraid to come out to look for food.
The common bears in the area include the Hokkaido brown bear and the Japanese black bear. The black bear is quite large and can reach close to 280 pounds. The much more powerful brown bears are the largest land animals in the country. They can be quite threatening and grow to the size of an adult human.
What the Military Is Doing About It
On Wednesday, November 5th, the Japanese Defense Ministry signed an agreement to deploy soldiers to the affected areas to help reduce bear activity.
They began their operation in the area of Kazuno City. The soldiers, who wore bulletproof vests and carried wooden shields, had a few tools at their disposal, including net launchers and steel bear traps, which they set up in the area. The traps are not designed to kill the bears, but to keep them in place until they can be transported to another area where the population can be culled by trained hunters or otherwise assisted.
The soldiers are also equipped with bear spray, a non-lethal tool that’s often carried by hikers in case of an animal encounter. Bear spray comes in a canister and can shoot up to 40 feet away. The contents include a highly concentrated non-lethal pepper spray that will either scare the bear away or stop it temporarily so it can be captured. The goal of the military is to safely remove bears. The soldiers were instructed not to use firearms during the mission. However, it’s possible that lethal action may be required in some situations.
What To Do If You See a Bear
If you’re hiking and see a bear in the woods, keep your distance and they’ll likely leave you alone.
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Although Japan’s rise in bear attacks may not be a concern where you live, it’s still essential to know what to do if you encounter a bear, whether in your area or when hiking on vacation. Before you travel to a new region, research the area to determine if bears may live nearby. If you’re walking and see a bear, keep your distance; they’re likely to go about their business and leave you alone.
The best thing to do is to stay calm. Running towards or away from the bear may cause the animal to react negatively and attack. If you’re an avid outdoor explorer, it doesn’t hurt to keep a canister of bear spray in your backpack or car, though be aware that it can expire. When bear spray is necessary, aim carefully with your arm outstretched, before calmly leaving the area.
If you see a bear in your residential neighborhood, call animal control; they can assist in the safest way possible. Always be aware of local threats so you can protect your belongings and those you love.
