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ISTANBUL Japan on Friday enacted a law to allow "emergency shootings" of "dangerous" animals by hunters if they step foot in populated areas, according to local media. The change, expected to be enforced by autumn when bears become active, came following an increasing amount of bear attacks in the country, Kyodo News reported. The law designates brown bears, Asian black bears, and wild boars as dangerous animals.
With the revised law, local administrations will be able to request hunters or related officials to shoot the bears if they get in a residential area or if it is necessary to protect a human from the bear's harm. However, several options need to be exhausted before a shooting can take place like the officials being unable to capture the bear quickly without utilizing guns, and other humans being out of shooting range. Municipal heads are also given authority to restrict traffic and issue evacuation orders for citizens' safety in the case of a shooting, under the law.
A record 219 casualties, including six fatalities, were reported in bear attacks across the country during the fiscal year 2023 through March 2024, said the media outlet, citing the Environment Ministry..
