Japan is under attack, and now the country’s military is getting involved.
A rash of deadly bear attacks has prompted the military to intervene and set up traps to relocate these bears. According to The New York Post, the traps are being deployed on Wednesday in the town of Kazuno, where local officials were forced to put up warning signs about the deadly attacks.
It’s been weeks now that local officials have warned residents to shelter in place, especially in the nearby forest. It has become so out of control that officials warned residents to avoid going outside in the dark and wear bells in an effort to keep bears away.
The issue has been problematic all year. Reports say that in June, a man in his 70s was attacked by a five-foot bear near an elementary school in Nasushiobara City. The bear reportedly wounded the man’s head and neck, but the injuries were non-life-threatening.
That incident forced officials to conduct drills in an effort to prepare the community for another bear attack. It’s been reported that, so far, more than 100 bear attacks have been recorded, leaving 12 dead in Japan.
The city of Kazuno, with a population of 30,000, has been particularly problematic because the town is renowned for its hot springs and diverse selection of sweet apples. Officials have warned residents to avoid being outside in the dark in case a bear is foraging in the area for food.
There’s been at least one reported attack of a customer inside a supermarket.
Japan’s military is stepping in by setting box traps and transporting these boxes, but experienced hunters are the ones who are actually getting the bears inside the boxes.
The military plans to recruit more licensed hunters to help offset these bear attacks.
