AKITA, Japan – The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on Wednesday began assisting the northeastern prefecture of Akita in its bear-culling operations, following a recent surge in attacks on people, by rendering logistical support.
The GSDF signed an agreement with the prefectural government earlier in the day to provide support such as setting up and transporting box traps through Nov. 30, though its personnel will not be shooting bears themselves or even carrying firearms.
Such operations started in Kazuno, according to city officials, with support to be extended to other municipalities if requested.
A record 13 people have already died in bear attacks nationwide since April this year, Environment Ministry data showed Wednesday. Akita Prefecture alone has reported attacks on 60 people, including four fatalities.
Support to be provided by the GSDF personnel includes transporting hunters and digging burial sites for bear carcasses and gathering information using drones.
“We would like to back up the activities of the Self-Defense Forces in close cooperation with the municipalities,” said Akita Gov. Kenta Suzuki following the signing ceremony held at the prefectural government office.
Yasunori Matsunaga, commander of the 9th Division of the GSDF, said, “We are aware that the damage caused by bears in Akita Prefecture is a critical issue. We will continue our activities based on needs so that we can be as helpful as possible.”
The support will be conducted by an infantry regiment based at Akita Camp and is classified as a transportation project under the SDF law.
Meanwhile, the National Police Agency is considering allowing officers to cull bears using rifles. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications plans to help local governments secure civil servants qualified to hunt and conduct culling.
On Wednesday, around 15 GSDF personnel worked with hunting association members to transport a box trap roughly 10 kilometers in Kazuno, according to the city.
Activities will continue on Thursday, with plans to also expand to Odate and other municipalities that have sought assistance.
GSDF personnel are equipped with bulletproof vests, rifle-shaped rods roughly 165 centimeters long, protective shields, and bear-repellent spray.
The Defense Ministry said they will not use firearms because they have not been trained to cull wild animals and because such activities are not considered missions under the SDF law or other regulations.
The SDF has previously provided logistical support for wildlife management operations, such as deer control efforts.
Suzuki, a former GSDF member, visited the ministry in Tokyo in October to request the dispatch of SDF members, citing the limitations of local governments’ culling efforts.
Between April and September, more than 20,000 bear sightings were reported in the country, surpassing those recorded during the same period a year earlier by about 7,000, according to the Environment Ministry.