Japanese Town Uses Robot Wolves To Get Rid Of Bears

Takikawa, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, recently acquired and set up two “Monster Wolf” robots following reports of bears in the vicinity. Officials indicate that these bears have become a serious problem in the rural areas.

Since the deployment of the robotic wolves, there have been no sightings of bears. The number of bear encounters has reached a five-year peak in Japan’s rural regions, with dozens of attacks reported this year, two of which were fatal. The government decided to invest in the “Monster Wolf” robots after convening an emergency meeting last month.

These robots feature a shaggy body with four legs, a distinctive blonde mane, and menacing eyes that shine red. When activated by motion sensors, the robot turns its head, flashes lights, and produces a cacophony of 60 different frightening sounds.

Ohta Seiki, the company behind the “Monster Wolf,” has sold approximately 70 units since their inception in 2018. These machines are designed based on a real species of Japanese wolf that inhabited the central and northern islands until it was hunted to extinction over a century ago.

Officials from the city have noted that bears pose a growing risk as they forage for food in preparation for winter hibernation, which has been exacerbated by a scarcity of nuts and acorns.

Image Source: Guardian News @ YouTube