Japan deploys troops to Akita to help curb bear attacks

Japan deployed troops to Akita prefecture on Wednesday to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have injured more than 100 people and killed at least 12 nationwide since April, officials said. The operation began in the mountain town of Kazuno, where bears have been reported near homes, schools, train stations, supermarkets and hot spring resorts, and where local authorities have urged residents to avoid forests at night and take other precautions.

Under an agreement between the Defence Ministry and Akita prefecture, service members will lay and monitor box traps baited with food, ferry local hunters to trapping sites and assist with the removal of dead animals, officials said. Soldiers will not carry firearms to cull bears; trained hunters will perform any lethal control. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fumitoshi Sato said, "Every day, bears intrude into residential areas in the region and their impact is expanding." He called responses to the problem urgent.

Akita officials reported that more than 50 people in the prefecture have been attacked since May, with at least four fatalities locally. National Environment Ministry statistics show over 100 injuries and at least 12...