A drill simulating shooting wild bears that have appeared in populated areas was held in Sapporo City in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on Thursday.
It was scheduled ahead of the implementation of a revised law next month in response to increasing cases of bears attacking humans in residential and commercial districts.
Under the revised law, people with hunting licenses will be allowed to shoot wild animals in populated areas, including bears and wild boars, on condition of approval by local authorities. Using firearms in such areas is currently illegal because of the danger to humans.
About 30 people, including prefectural and city officials, police officers, and members of a local hunting association, took part in the session held in a park.
The scenario covered hunters locating a brown bear after receiving a report of a sighting there. Participants confirmed the necessary procedures before using firearms.
After city officials and police checked traffic restrictions in the area and evacuation measures, they confirmed whether four requirements before using firearms were met.
The requirements include eliminating the risk of someone being hit. Four hunters with replica guns then opened fire on a signal.
A Sapporo City official said he hopes to repeat the session with relevant organizations so they can properly deal with any brown bears encroaching into populated areas.
AloJapan.com