In response to a surge in fatal bear attacks, Japan has revised its stringent gun laws to arm riot police with rifles. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes as the country grapples with a record number of bear-related fatalities, with 13 deaths reported since April 1—more than double the previous annual record. The National Police Agency (NPA) has identified northern regions such as Iwate and Akita as hotspots for these incidents and will deploy rifle-equipped riot police to these areas starting November 13. These officers will receive specialized training from local hunters’ associations to better understand bear behavior. The move follows criticism that standard police handguns are ineffective against bears. Meanwhile, Japan has also deployed soldiers to assist in bear management, though they will not carry firearms. Instead, troops will focus on transporting traps and using anti-bear sprays, protective gear, and net launchers. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is urgently drafting a policy package to address the crisis. Scientists attribute the rise in bear populations to climate change, which has increased food sources like acorns, deer, and boars. Additionally, rural depopulation has blurred the boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, prompting bears to venture closer to residential areas.