SDF to offer logistics help to combat bear attacks in Japan: defense chief

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Tuesday the Self-Defense Forces plans to offer logistical help to local authorities to counter bear attacks in northeastern Japan that have caused human casualties.With the SDF legally not allowed to participate in the shooting of bears, the ministry has been studying ways for it to offer other kinds of support such as transporting and disposing of culled bears in Akita Prefecture, ministry sources said."The lives and livelihoods of people are under threat. We will promptly start with what can be done," Koizumi told a press conference in Tokyo before m…READ FULL ARTICLE