HOKKAIDO, Jun 02, 2026 (News On Japan) –
A veteran hunter with 42 years of expertise has turn out to be the primary individual employed by Hokkaido as a “Government Hunter,” a newly created position aimed toward strengthening bear management measures and enhancing public security.
“We hope you will use your experience and knowledge to contribute to the safety of local communities and work together with us,” mentioned Tsuyoshi Idoi, deputy director-general of Hokkaido’s Bureau of Natural Environment, through the appointment ceremony.
The newly appointed hunter, 70-year-old Takashi Wakabayashi, is a member of the Sapporo department of the Hokkaido Hunters Association and holds a searching license. As a Hokkaido authorities worker, he will likely be answerable for culling bears that seem close to residential areas, helping with wildlife administration operations, and coaching personnel concerned in bear countermeasures.
“With bear sightings increasing significantly in recent years, I hope to use the experience I have gained over the years to contribute, even in a small way, to the safety and peace of mind of Hokkaido residents,” Wakabayashi mentioned.
Hokkaido plans to broaden this system by assigning one further Government Hunter every to the Okhotsk area and southern Hokkaido sooner or later because it seeks to strengthen its response to the rising variety of bear encounters throughout the prefecture.
Source: 北海道ニュースUHB