US EditionJapan's New Rules Allowing Police to Kill Bears Take Effect
Authorities revised gun laws to allow police and licensed hunters to shoot bears after 13 deaths since April amid a rising bear population and food shortages, officials said.
- On Thursday, police officers in Japan were permitted to use rifles to kill bears after amended rules took effect following last week's announcement.
- The Environment Ministry reported a record 13 people have been killed by bears since April, with scientists saying the spike is driven by a fast-growing bear population, poor acorn harvest and falling human population.
- In September, lawmakers approved revisions letting municipalities commission licensed hunters for 'emergency shootings' and prefectural firearms teams with officers and snipers to respond to incursions.
- Police firearms task forces will work with local police in Iwate and Akita prefectures, while soldiers deployed last week in Akita will not carry firearms or hunt bears.
- On Wednesday, the U.S. embassy in Tokyo posted a 'wildlife alert' advising against walking alone where bears were sighted, while the British government urged travellers to avoid solo walks and local authorities closed Sapporo zoo, Hokkaido.
28 Articles
28 Articles
The decision taken in August by the Commission for the Conservation of Wildlife is intensifying the clash between hunters and environmentalists. From 6 to 28 December can be killed up to 187 bears
Channel News Asia
Japan to enlist retired cops, soldiers to cull bears
TOKYO: Japan is trying to enlist retired police officers to fight bears as the nation battles a record wave of deadly attacks this year, a top official said Friday (Nov 14).Chief Cabinet Secretar
Toronto Sun
Insider PaperJapanese police can use rifles against bears in wake of fatal attacks
TOKYO-- Police in Japan can from Thursday use rifles to shoot bears after strict gun laws were revised to help authorities battle a spate of fatal attacks that also prompted the US embassy in Tokyo to issue a "wildlife alert".
Thirteen people have died and over 100 have been injured in bear attacks since early April.
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