クマ出没しゅつぼつ 市街しがい地ちなどで猟銃りょうじゅう使用しようめぐりガイドライン公表こうひょう 環境省かんきょうしょう

As bear attacks and sightings in urban areas continue to occur one after another, the Ministry of the Environment has released guidelines outlining the conditions and procedures for the use of hunting rifles in urban and other areas, which will be exceptionally permitted at the discretion of municipalities under a revised law coming into effect this September.

Due to the revised law that will come into effect this September, when bears or wild boars appear in urban or residential areas, municipalities will be able to make special exceptions to allow the use of hunting rifles.

According to the guidelines announced by the Ministry of the Environment on the 8th in preparation for enforcement, the use of hunting guns in urban areas is permitted by municipalities only if all four conditions are met: wild animals such as bears have entered or are highly likely to enter areas where people live; there is an urgent need; it is difficult to capture the animal by methods other than hunting guns; and safety is ensured, such as there being no risk of bullets reaching people.

It is mainly intended to be used in situations where bears or other animals have entered buildings, or in places such as farmland and riverbanks.

As a procedure, municipalities are responsible for ensuring safety by, for example, designating restricted areas such as no-entry zones and evacuating residents outside the prohibited area. While the discretion over matters such as when contracted hunters may fire is left to them, confirming safety and making decisions to halt operations are considered the responsibilities of the municipalities.

In addition, considering the burden on hunters, it is stated that subsidies from the Ministry of the Environment can be used for their daily wages, and that personal injury accidents will be handled under the State Compensation Act.

At a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on the 8th, Minister of the Environment Asao stated, In response to the legal amendment, we would like to thoroughly disseminate the guidelines so that local governments can respond with confidence.