(MENAFN) Japan has deployed soldiers to help manage increasing bear attacks in the country’s northeast, according to reports.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) signed an agreement with Akita Prefecture on Wednesday to provide logistical support in the effort. Soldiers will assist with setting up and transporting box traps, moving hunters, and preparing sites for the burial of bear carcasses, but they will not carry firearms to directly confront the animals.

Operations began in Kazuno city and will gradually expand across the region, continuing until the end of the month. “We would like to back up the activities of the Self-Defense Forces in close cooperation with the municipalities,” said Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki. GSDF 9th Division commander Yasunori Matsunaga added, “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.”

Bear sightings in Japan reached 20,792 from April to September, marking the highest total for this six-month period since records began in fiscal 2009. The previous record, 15,832 sightings, occurred during the same months in 2024. Iwate and Akita Prefectures reported the largest numbers, with 4,499 and 4,005 sightings respectively.

The surge in encounters has resulted in at least 14 deaths nationwide this year, either confirmed or suspected to be bear-related, and dozens of injuries. Akita Prefecture alone reported attacks on 60 people, including four fatalities.

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