Japan authorizes police to shoot bears after record spike in attacks

The Japanese government has allowed police to shoot bears if needed, in the wake of a record surge in attacks that have resulted in several casualties.

Previously, authorities have also called in Self Defense Forces (SDF) against the animals invading homes, schools and supermarkets.

An alarming spike has been recorded in bear attacks in the north-eastern part of the country. 

Japanese Riot Police, trained to use rifles against militants, have been sent to the region to work with law enforcement and get rid of the bears attacking humans.

Since April, bear attacks have killed 13, marking the highest toll of casualties recorded in a single year.

As part of the new policy, each prefecture will get two specialised teams, consisting of:

• A commanding officer to act as a liaison to the local authorities
• Two snipers

These teams will act as a first line of response against the bears. The police chief at the Akita Prefectural Police headquarters has urged officers to make safeguarding people’s way of life their first priority.

These extreme actions by the authorities came after the bear sightings in Akita region jumped to 8,000 this year.

Asiatic black bears are considered vulnerable globally; however, their population in Japan tripled since 2012 thanks to successful conservation efforts.

Japan reinstated the bear population control program in 2024 but has faced problems due to shortage of hunters.