Japanese city deploys anti-bear drones as 'human casualties at an all-time high' — non-lethal spray can be delivered with 10cm accuracy radius, 1km range

A Japanese city is rolling out an anti-bear drone system in response to “record levels of bear casualties and sightings.” Terra Drone has announced (machine translation) that its bear-repelling drones will be deployed around Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture to address concerns regarding a “bear infestation.”

Terra Drone quotes Japanese Ministry of the Environment figures as part of the explanation as to the current wave of ursine issues in the land of the rising sun. Its press release states that the number of human-bear encounters “has increased by 163% since 2021, with 20,792 cases nationwide, 100 injuries since April, and more than 12 deaths.” These are the worst official stats ever, says the firm.

A number of factors are thought to have resulted in the current situation. For example, Japan has seen the number of people with hunting licenses decline from over half a million in 1975 to around 220,000 in 2020. Moreover, 60% of holders are now over 60 years old. Meanwhile, city developers increasingly move nearer to bear habitats, closing the circle on their free roaming areas. It is also claimed that the police and similar agencies face constraints on lethal training to address wild animals.

Terra Drone to the rescue

Last year, Terra Drone adapted its devices to respond quickly to bear sightings and carry bear repellent sprays. The resulting drone system can “combine speed, safety, and immediate effectiveness.”

In action, the drones are operated from up to a kilometer (~1,100 yards) away, ensuring operator safety. A drone can deliver its capsaicin spray on target at distances between 5 and 10 meters (up to ~11 yards) from the bear. This has a temporary, non-lethal impact on the bear(s), and makes sure they can’t sense humans in their vicinity.

Terra Drone has previously demonstrated a similar pesticide packing drone for farms. It is claimed to be accurate enough to spray areas with an accuracy of within a 10cm radius.

Ishinomaki City is far from the only area in Japan affected by bears.

Last year, we reported on Japanese tech giant NTT’s design for a laser drone system designed to protect chickens. It is good to hear and see advanced drone systems being used outside the theater of war.

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