06.11.2025 13:59
The National Police Agency of Japan has allowed police officers to use firearms against bears due to bear attacks that have resulted in a record 13 deaths this year. As of November 13, direct intervention against bear attacks will be permitted.
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The National Police Agency of Japan has allowed police officers to use firearms against bears due to bear attacks that have resulted in a record 13 deaths this year. Previously limited to special circumstances such as incidents of missed shots, police rifles can now also be used against bears attacking the public starting from November 13.
RECORD DEATHS THIS YEAR DUE TO BEAR ATTACKS IN JAPAN
In Japan, the police have taken action against bear attacks that have led to a record number of deaths this year. The National Police Agency (NPA) has decided to allow police officers to use firearms to exterminate bears. In a statement, it was noted that police rifles, which were previously limited to special circumstances such as incidents of missed shots, could also be used against bears attacking the public starting from November 13. According to the regulatory change, riot police assigned to Iwate and Akita, which are among the prefectures most affected by bear attacks, will be able to exterminate bears that pose a security risk by intervening directly in emergencies. Initially, two teams consisting of one supervisor, one officer responsible for communication with local authorities, and two marksmen will be sent to each of the two prefectures.
"PUBLIC SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY"
NPA Director General Yoshinobu Kusunoki stated that they will begin preparations as soon as possible, including training the police teams to be assigned regarding bears, and expressed, "We hope to start our activities in the region next week." Emphasizing that they will work in close cooperation with local governments and other institutions, Kusunoki said, "We will continue to strive to prevent damage by prioritizing public safety as our most important concern."
13 PEOPLE DIED AS A RESULT OF BEAR ATTACKS
Recently increasing bear attacks in rural areas of Japan have raised security concerns. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment announced that the number of deaths resulting from bear attacks has reached a record 13 this year. Most recently, personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) were assigned to support efforts against bears in Akita Prefecture.
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