Bear attacks in Japan are on the rise. 13 people have reportedly been killed this year, and in some prefectures, the Japanese military has been called in to help trap bears. In 2024, Dateline travelled to Japan to investigate bear attacks and met the team from Picchio, a wildlife research and conservation organisation. Their work in Karuizawa, a popular resort town, has focused on using bear dogs to help avoid bear attacks. Watch the full 2024 SBS Dateline episode Bears Gone Wild now on SBS On D

Since April, more than 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan, according to Environment Ministry statistics at the end of October. After sending troops into areas that have seen surges in bear attacks, the latest strategy is now seeing drones broadcasting recordings of hunting dogs barking. | CBS Mornings