Japan's eased rules on bear shootings in populated areas go into effect

Legislative revisions went into effect Monday granting Japanese municipalities powers to commission hunters in populated areas to perform "emergency shootings" of dangerous animals such as bears, amid a rise in attacks.The revision to the law on wildlife protection and management aims to enable quicker action to prevent harm. Previously, animal shootings were generally banned in public spaces, with only police authorized to permit them in cases of imminent danger.Incidents of bears entering towns have increased as rural areas see declining human presence, with government data showing a reco…READ FULL ARTICLE