The population's lives cannot be protected without help from the army, claims Kenta Suzuki, governor of the northern Japanese prefecture Akita, in conversation with the country's defense minister.
Attacks aimed at necks and faces have become extremely common, which has led to a completely dreadful situation, says Suzuki.
The deaths are explained by the fact that bears have approached human settlements more and more, among other things due to climate change that has caused a shortage of, among other things, acorns. Bears have attacked tourists, entered stores and been seen near schools and parks, according to the authorities.
The latest confirmed victim was attacked in a mountain village in Akita last week, but as recently as Monday, two people and a dog were found dead at two different locations with signs of being attacked.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi states in response to Governor Suzuki's appeal that the government will use all capacity and authority to restore the inhabitants' sense of security and safety.
