Japan Deploys Retired Police and Soldiers to Control Bear Population
Japan enlists retired cops, soldiers for bear culling

Japan Takes Emergency Action Against Rising Bear Encounters

Japan is implementing unprecedented measures to address the growing threat of bear encounters across the country. The government has announced it will enlist retired police officers and soldiers to participate in bear culling operations as part of an emergency response to increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

Military Resources Deployed for Wildlife Control

The Japan Self-Defense Forces have already begun mobilizing resources for the bear management initiative. Photographic evidence from October 30, 2025, shows military personnel unloading bear cages from military trucks at the JSDF Akita Camp in northern Japan. This demonstrates the serious approach authorities are taking to what has become a pressing public safety concern.

The decision comes after a significant increase in bear sightings and attacks reported throughout rural and suburban areas of Japan. Local authorities have been overwhelmed by the frequency of encounters, prompting the national government to intervene with coordinated military-style operations.

Expert Personnel Brought Out of Retirement

Retired law enforcement and military personnel are being specifically targeted for recruitment due to their extensive training in crisis management and firearms handling. These experienced individuals bring crucial skills to the dangerous task of bear population control, ensuring operations are conducted safely and effectively.

The involvement of former professionals represents a strategic approach to wildlife management that leverages existing expertise rather than training new personnel from scratch. This allows for rapid deployment of capable teams to areas experiencing the most severe bear-related incidents.

Environmental experts attribute the surge in bear encounters to several factors, including habitat encroachment, climate change affecting food sources, and changing migration patterns. The situation has reached a critical point where immediate intervention is necessary to protect both human communities and the bear population from harmful interactions.