The Japanese army has sent troops to the mountainous area in the north of the country, especially to the city of Kazuno, to assist in capturing bears, following an urgent request from local authorities.

This intervention comes in the context of an alarming wave of attacks, with over 100 incidents reported in the last year and 12 deaths across Japan, mostly in Akita Prefecture. Authorities have observed a significant increase in the number of bears, reaching over 8,000 sightings this year, which has prompted the governor of the prefecture to request assistance from the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

The troops will help set up bear traps, and the culling will be carried out by trained hunters. The increase in the number of bears is attributed to climate change and the depopulation of rural areas, leading to more frequent encounters between people and bears.