With bear attacks in Japan reaching a record 13 deaths this year, Gifu Prefecture has begun using drones that emit barking and firecracker sounds to push bears away from residential areas in Hida City. The drones are flown over spots where bear activity is detected.
Governor Yoshihide Esaki said the measure aims to improve public safety. Japan has also deployed Self-Defense Forces personnel and authorized police to use weapons in high-risk regions as bear encounters increase.