Japan uses drones with barking dogs, fireworks to deter bears from residential areas

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan has deployed drones blaring sounds of dog barking and fireworks to scare away bears from residential areas, even as Tokyo tweaked laws to allow police to kill the wild animals using rifles.

The local government in central Gifu province began using drones last week to “drive away bears” from inhabited areas in Hida city, according to Japan News. Authorities equipped drones with speakers to play hunting dog sounds or fireworks to push bears deep into the mountains.

Since April, at least 13 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured in bear attacks in Japan, according to the Environment Ministry.

At least two drones were flown over an orchard last Friday where bear droppings and half-eaten fruit had been found. Locals reported that bears had caused “considerable damage” in the area. The drone flights could be increased depending on their effectiveness.

Earlier this month, soldiers were deployed to combat the growing bear attacks in the country’s northeast. New rules passed by the government in September now allow police officers "to use rifles to kill bears,” taking effect last Thursday.