Tokyo: Japan is preparing to send troops to help capture wild bears that have been attacking people, a problem that is affecting tourism. A source at Japan’s Ministry of Defense revealed that the ministry is preparing to send soldiers from the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Akita Prefecture to assist in capturing the bear, as requested by the prefecture. The capture operation is expected to begin as early as tomorrow. Akita Prefecture is one of the northern prefectures that has been plagued by bear attacks, causing injuries and sometimes even deaths.

According to Thai News Agency, local assistance for bear attacks on humans includes the delivery and installation of bear traps and the dispatch of members of local hunter associations to help remove and dispose of bear carcasses. The problem of bear attacks is impacting tourism. Recently, in Hokkaido, authorities were forced to cancel plans to illuminate Hachironuma Park in Hokuto City, famous for its beautiful autumn leaves, after several reports of bear sightings. This disappointed residents and local tourism associations, which had to cancel this year’s event, resulting in lost revenue. Last year’s event attracted 23,000 visitors, and they hoped it would resume as usual next year.