Japan’s new rules allowing police to kill bears with rifles take effect
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Police officers from Japan's Bear Control Task Force preparing to depart Akita Prefectural Police headquarters on Nov 13.
PHOTO: EPA
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IWATE, AKITA, Japan - Amended rules took effect on Nov 13 permitting police officers in Japan to use rifles to kill bears, in response to a recent surge in attacks on humans.
As the country ramps up efforts to tackle the attacks, the police have expanded the scope of their use of rifles
According to the Environment Ministry, the number of deaths caused by bears since April reached a record 13 as at Nov 5.
Police firearms task forces from various prefectures will work with local police in Iwate and Akita prefectures in north-eastern Japan, where the highest number of bear attacks have been reported, to respond to animals that have encroached on urban areas.
Each prefecture will have two teams consisting of a commanding officer, a liaison to the local authorities and two snipers.
Police officers from the Bear Control Task Force at a send-off ceremony at Akita Prefectural Police headquarters on Nov 13.
PHOTO: EPA
In September, legislative revisions went into effect granting Japanese municipalities the ability to commission hunters to perform “emergency shootings” of dangerous animals, such as bears, that entered populated areas.
If there is not enough time to wait for the local authorities’ approval for an emergency shooting, police officers are permitted to kill bears.
The highest number of bear attacks have been reported in north-eastern Japan.
PHOTO: AFP
Until now, the police have taken steps such as evacuating local residents, securing the surrounding area and patrolling school routes where bears have been seen. KYODO NEWS
