Over 100 attacks and 12 deaths this year push authorities to call in the military.
Japan’s military dispatched troops to the mountainous north on Wednesday to help trap bears, following urgent requests from local authorities struggling with a surge of attacks. Residents have been warned to avoid nearby forests, stay indoors after dark, and carry bells to deter bears foraging near homes.
According to the environment ministry, there have been over 100 bear attacks and 12 deaths across Japan since April, with two-thirds occurring in Akita prefecture, including Kazuno and nearby Iwate.
Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto said, «The townspeople feel the danger every day.
