Residents in the northern region of Akita, Japan, are living in fear after a series of deadly bear attacks. The situation has escalated to the point where local authorities have deployed riot police and military forces to assist in the search for the dangerous animals. The government has declared a state of emergency in the area, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the public.
Traditional hunters, including Matagi hunters Hideo Suzuki and Masaru Ito, have joined the efforts using their time-honored techniques and equipment, such as the traditional hunting tools known as ‘nagasa.’ These hunters have a long history of working with wildlife, and their expertise is being leveraged to track down the bears. The involvement of these hunters highlights the integration of historical practices with modern security measures.
Authorities have also warned the public to stay away from areas where bears are known to roam, and have advised residents to take precautions such as securing food supplies and avoiding hiking in the forest during peak activity times. The government has pledged to provide support to affected families and to investigate the causes of the attacks.