Japan mulling to revise law for emergency animal shootings amid surge in bear attacks

By Anadolu staff

The Japanese government is considering revising the emergency animal shootings law due to a surge in bear attacks in the country, local media reported on Sunday.

Under the proposed plan, the government will allow the municipalities authorities to shoot when animals enter populated areas, according to Kyodo News agency.

Earlier this month, a bear was trapped and killed after a two-day stay in a Japanese supermarket in Akita.

The bear entered the supermarket and attacked a male employee, who sustained facial and other injuries.

Under the current law, hunting with firearms is prohibited in residential areas or places where people gather, such as train stations or plazas.

The country's Environment Ministry reported a record high of 219 casualties, including six deaths, from bear attacks since March 2024.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid