Kanagawa Holds First Emergency Bear Hunting Drill in Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Kanagawa Prefecture conducted its first emergency gun hunting training exercise for Asiatic black bears in the Tokyo metropolitan area, involving approximately 60 participants from the police, local government, and hunting associations. Held in Hadano City on April 13, 2026, the drill simulated a scenario where a bear sighting posed a potential threat to human safety, permitting the use of firearms. The exercise included information sharing between authorities, evacuation orders for residents, and the deployment of an enforcement team using mock weapons to neutralize a bear role-played by a police officer. This initiative follows a record year for bear-related human injuries nationwide and increased sightings as hibernation seasons end. Participants, including experienced hunters, emphasized the need for rapid response protocols to prevent citizen harm, citing past close encounters with aggressive wildlife. The event marks a significant step in urban-wildlife conflict management within the region.
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Kanagawa Holds First Emergency Bear Hunting Drill in Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Kanagawa Prefecture conducted its first emergency gun hunting training exercise for Asiatic black bears in the Tokyo metropolitan area, involving approximately 60 participants from the police, local government, and hunting associations. Held in Hadano City on April 13, 2026, the drill simulated a scenario where a bear sighting posed a potential threat to human safety, permitting the use of firearms. The exercise included information sharing between authorities, evacuation orders for residents, and the deployment of an enforcement team using mock weapons to neutralize a bear role-played by a police officer. This initiative follows a record year for bear-related human injuries nationwide and increased sightings as hibernation seasons end. Participants, including experienced hunters, emphasized the need for rapid response protocols to prevent citizen harm, citing past close encounters with aggressive wildlife. The event marks a significant step in urban-wildlife conflict management within the region.
asahi