Japan: Drones Scare Bears with Dog Barks and Fireworks

The Japanese prefecture of Gifu has responded to the increasing danger posed by bears to the population with an unusual measure. Around the rural town of Hida, they are deploying a “Hunting Drone” from the company Aero Japan to scare away stray bears near the town with dog barks from a loudspeaker and fired fireworks.

More bears, less food, Increasing Problems

In Hida, the number of bear sightings in the autumn of 2025 increased eightfold compared to the previous year, according to the Gifu Prefecture Environmental Office. Bears are finding less and less food in their natural habitat as they search for food before hibernation and are therefore approaching the town more frequently.

However, bears are not only a problem in Hida. Since April 2025, since April 2025 people have been injured in bear attacks across Japan. Thirteen people died as a result. Seven of them in the month of October. Most attacks, however, occurred in more remote areas. However, bears are also venturing near towns. The reason for this is the shrinking number of natural food sources, including acorns and beechnuts, likely triggered by climate change. Furthermore, the population of protected black bears in Japan is estimated to have tripled since 2012 to around 45,000. In addition, there are about 12,000 brown bears. To get the populations under control, the hunting ban was only recently relaxed. However, hunting is more of a last resort.

To counter the growing danger of bears to the population, the Hida Environmental Office has explored measures to keep bears away from people without endangering the animals. Initially, they put up signs to warn the public and urged residents and visitors to the town to wear bells, which are supposed to keep bears away.

Dog Barks and Fireworks to Deter Bears

However, these measures were intensified after a bear attack on a Spanish tourist in Shirakawa-go, near Hida. Tourists were urged to avoid certain areas after dark. However, this was not enough. For example, deterrence teams on foot and with dogs were discussed, but this was likely rejected for cost reasons. Ultimately, the use of drones was considered the most practical method.

A drone from Aero Japan, the “Hunting Drone,” is being used, as a video shows. The 0.9 m x 0.9 m quadcopter, painted in red warning color and with googly eyes, is equipped with a megaphone that continuously plays recorded dog barks, which cause bears to flee. In areas where bears are frequently sighted, the drones patrol to scare the animals away.

Fruit plantations, such as the Kurouchi Orchard with its apples and peaches, are particularly affected. Otherwise, bears would raid the fruit park searching for food. For particularly stubborn individuals, two fireworks can be launched from the drone to give the scaring action a bit more emphasis.

(olb)