Japan Sends Troops to Combat Spike in Fatal Bear Attacks

More than 100 bear attacks have occurred this year, resulting in a total of 13 fatalities so far.

A black bear stands near the side of Highway 881 near Conklin, Alberta, on May 10, 2016. The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

Japan deployed troops to the north of the country on Nov. 5 to help control bears in the area, after local authorities said they were struggling to cope with an unprecedented wave of attacks.

Soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) have been sent to the area to work alongside local hunters to help bring the animals under control, according to news outlet The Asahi Shimbun.