Japan sent soldiers to its northern mountains Wednesday after bears killed 13 people and injured nearly 100 others since April.

The Self-Defense Force arrived in Akita Prefecture with bear spray, shields and steel traps. The deployment follows the deadliest year for bear attacks in over a decade, according to NBC News.

Bears have attacked victims near supermarkets, schools and bus stations. A 79-year-old woman died Monday after a bear mauled her in Akita’s woods. On Tuesday, a bear injured a 77-year-old newspaper deliveryman, wounding his face and hand, the outlet reported.

“We recognize that the harm caused by bears is in a critical situation in Akita Prefecture,” military commander Yasunori Matsunaga said during Wednesday’s signing ceremony with local officials. “Starting today, we will begin carrying out our mission while taking various needs into consideration.” (RELATED: Governor Begs Japan’s Army To Hunt Down Bears After Series Of Bloody Attacks)

Japan deploys troops to trap bears after record wave of attacks and deaths https://t.co/Ki7AU9z5Um https://t.co/Ki7AU9z5Um

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 5, 2025

Soldiers will set box traps, transport hunters who shoot captured bears and dispose of carcasses, according to the outlet. The operation starts in Kazuno city before expanding to other areas through the month’s end.

“The townspeople feel the danger every day,” Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto said after meeting 15 soldiers who arrived with trucks and jeeps. “It has affected how people live their lives, forcing them to stop going out or cancel events.”

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said troops would protect residents but warned “we cannot involve ourselves in bear countermeasures indefinitely.”

Japan houses two bear species: Asiatic black bears and Hokkaido brown bears. Wildlife experts blame rising attacks on various factors, including urban migration from rural areas and fewer hunters, NBC News reported.

Local governments have told residents to stay inside after dark and avoid wooded areas.