How Japanese farmers trap millions of bears
Welcome to the video. A gunshot rings out, and a black bear falls. About 20,000 black bears are destroying the beauty of the land of the rising sun. Are these measures enough to deal with this giant? Let's watch the video about the measures in a technologically advanced country.
It is estimated that Hakuba spends about $1.2 million a year to repair damage caused by bears, including repairing houses, and vehicles, and installing bear-repellent devices.
In addition, about $300,000 is spent annually on patrolling, monitoring, and working with authorities to deal with bear-related incidents.
In total, the town spends about $1.5 million annually to deal with the situation, a figure that could rise if effective control measures are not taken.
The situation in Japan has become tense as the government has organized black bear hunting activities to protect people from the increasing attacks.
In April 2019, many inexperienced hunters were attacked by the animals when facing the animals at a distance of only 10 feet. Luckily, they were able to handle the situation in time before it became worse.
Hunters have moved deep into Japan’s wilderness, concentrating in the Hida Mountains in Gifu Prefecture, known to have the highest density of black bears in the country.
The area is home to an estimated 20,000 black bears, posing a worrying threat to nearby communities. The organized hunt has attracted professional hunters from the United States, Canada, and Germany.
According to a study on black bear behavior in Japan, experts from the Hokkaido University Wildlife Research Institute have shown that preparing bait with a specific scent can attract black bears by up to 70%, increasing the hunter's hunting efficiency and time.
Hunters prepare cornbait in large barrels containing about 50 pounds of corn. These bait barrels are placed throughout the hunting period, which lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, helping hunters control black bears closer to the hunting site.
The Japanese government has invented a new technology, a machine that imitates the cries of black bears to attract them.
The machine emits distressing sounds like the cries of a wounded animal. This allows hunters to approach the animal at the closest distance but also requires them to be agile in handling dangerous situations.
These skills are learned by hunters in a three-month training course on firearms and bear behavior.
Hunters must be 20 years or older to participate in hunting activities and will receive government support of up to $500 to cover hunting expenses.
However, the black bear hunting season in Japan is mainly in the fall, when bears begin to store food for the winter.
To ensure humaneness, hunting is not allowed to target pregnant bears or cubs, and a maximum of 2,000 bears are allowed to be hunted each hunting season to maintain ecological balance.
Many communities do not support black bear hunting, seeing it as extreme and unnecessary. They believe that hunting harms bear populations, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens the species’ survival in the wild.
Furthermore, some believe that there are other, more humane ways to control bear populations, such as using conservation and habitat management. These communities often advocate conservation and seek painless alternatives.
After completing the hunt, the Japanese government requires hunters to strictly comply with the policies in the license and not to take any action for personal gain that is contrary to the law.
Hunters must report the number of bears hunted to local authorities for management and supervision.
At the same time, all acts of taking bear skins for illegal trading or import are strictly prohibited. If violated, offenders will be severely punished by imprisonment to maintain legal order.
These efforts not only help protect people but also maintain the natural ecological balance. What do you think about these measures? Leave your comments on the most effective and humane way to deal with black bears. Comment number 1 if you are waiting for new measures on dealing with bears. Share this video and God bless you. Please watch the next video.
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