An overburdened governor in Japan’s northern region is seeking assistance from the military to address the growing issue of bear attacks this year.
Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki aims to meet with the Ministry of Defense this week to discuss the situation, although scheduling conflicts may arise due to US President Donald Trump’s visit to the country.
He mentioned that while no formal legislation allows the military to be deployed for bear extermination, as they would be for disaster response, the current circumstances in his area have surpassed what local governments can manage alone.
“The exhaustion of resources on the ground is at its breaking point,” Suzuki shared on social media, explaining the timing of his request to coincide with the new cabinet’s inauguration.
In the interim, Suzuki stated that local officials are acquiring additional box traps and utilizing bear repellent spray to mitigate the surge in incidents.
Efforts have also included the use of toxic measures, and future plans involve implementing control and capture initiatives, AI-powered surveillance cameras, and drone-based instant warning systems next year.
Japan’s bear population has risen from an estimated 15,000 in 2012 to 44,000 now. 
The country has experienced a record rise in attacks so far this year, which has made almost daily headlines, as the hungry animals scour for food ahead of their hibernation period.
Akita police have recorded 54 people killed or injured by bears since January 1, up from the total of 11 killed last year, according to local media.
The local government has also received more than 8000 reports of bear sightings.
Suzuki previously said his residents have been “unable to live in peace” and are “living in anxiety every day”.
Other local governments have also reportedly struggled to repress the increase in attacks.
Experts believe that changing behaviour, a shortage of hunters and warmer winters leading to a later hibernation could be to blame.
Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara called the rise in bear attacks a “serious problem” last week, adding that the government was working to manage the bear population. 
