1. Police officers have received training in northern Japan for shooting bears, due to a rise in bear sightings in populated areas.
2. The culling operations will commence on Thursday in Iwate and Akita prefectures. Officers were taught to aim from about 50 meters away, target the front of the running bear's body, and position themselves on higher ground for safety.
3. Instructors advised that if a shot bear escapes with injuries, the severity should be assessed by the amount of bleeding to determine next steps. Local police, hunters, and municipalities will collaborate to protect people in Iwate prefecture as soon as possible.