In a unique response to a growing public safety concern, Japan has begun deploying drones that broadcast barking-dog sounds and fireworks to scare bears away from residential areas and farmland. The initiative, tested by Gifu Prefecture at the Fruits Park Kurouchi Orchard, aims to prevent bears from raiding orchards and potentially harming residents.

Since April, bear attacks in Japan have surged dramatically, with over 100 injuries and at least 12 fatalities reported by the Environment Ministry as of October. The escalation has prompted authorities to take innovative steps to safeguard communities and protect both humans and wildlife.

The new drones work by flying over orchards and neighborhoods, broadcasting recordings of hunting dogs barking alongside controlled firework sounds. The loud noises and simulated threats are designed to trigger bears’ natural avoidance instincts, discouraging them from entering populated areas.

This strategy complements earlier efforts, including the deployment of personnel into high-risk zones, and reflects Japan’s growing need to balance human safety with wildlife management. Local officials are monitoring the drone program closely, assessing its effectiveness in reducing encounters and preventing property damage.

The “barking” drones highlight how technology can play a key role in mitigating wildlife conflicts, offering a scalable, non-lethal solution as Japan faces a sharp rise in bear encounters that threaten lives, livelihoods, and local agriculture.