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29. July 2026
Japanese Drones Take Flight As Bears Brawl With Tech
Drones vs. Bears? Japan’s Innovative Solutions for a Safer Future
In recent years, Japan has witnessed a surge in bear sightings nationwide, prompting the need for effective and efficient solutions to mitigate these encounters. The Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA) has stepped up to address this issue by launching the Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase, which highlights six innovative drone-based programs from JUIDA member organizations.
These initiatives aim to provide safer surveillance, deterrence, and habitat-mapping tools for municipalities, community groups, researchers, and companies planning bear response strategies. The increasing number of bear sightings in Japan is a pressing concern, particularly in rural areas where these magnificent creatures roam freely. According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Environment, the number of reported bear encounters has been steadily rising over the past few years, with the majority occurring in the spring and summer months when bears are more active.
To combat this issue, JUIDA member organizations have developed cutting-edge drone-based solutions that can detect, track, and deter bears. These innovative technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way Japan approaches bear management and provide a safer environment for both humans and bears.
One of the pioneering companies in this field is Island Biyori Co., Ltd., which has been operating multi-tier autonomous drones for bear damage prevention. The company’s drone fleet consists of three types of aircraft: small drones for rapid response, medium drones for deterrence, and large drones for wide-area management. These drones are equipped with thermal imaging and high-precision positioning, enabling them to detect bears at night and respond quickly to potential threats.
Another notable organization is 3eye Bird Co., Ltd., which has developed AI-powered drones that can auto-detect and track bears. The company’s system utilizes night vision and infrared cameras, allowing the drones to fly for up to an hour before handing off pursuit to a backup drone. This technology also enables GPS coordinates to be streamed in real-time to government offices, police, and hunting associations through a dedicated app, providing a critical layer of communication and coordination.
In addition to surveillance and tracking capabilities, some JUIDA member organizations are focusing on developing drones that can issue warnings to residents or deploy repellent spray to deter bears. Terra Drone Corporation is fielding bear-repellent-spray-equipped drones since its initial announcement in winter 2025. The company’s platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to community members, allowing them to respond quickly to potential threats.
Terra Drone Corporation is now building longer-endurance variants of its drone with infrared cameras for disaster response applications. These upgraded drones will enable more effective tracking and containment of bears in emergency situations, reducing the risk of human-bear conflicts.
Prodrone Co., Ltd. is leading a Bear Boundary Defense Project in collaboration with GEEP Forest and Visual Systems. The project involves the use of UAV LiDAR to generate high-density forest hazard maps under the tree canopy. Autonomous patrol drones equipped with infrared detection, sound, and light warnings, as well as repellent spray, are being deployed to cover the defense line.
The public sector is also playing a crucial role in bear management, with Fukui Prefecture dispatching infrared drones and skilled operators to municipalities for bear response. This service reduces the risk of staff and hunting teams being exposed to bears in brush and buildings, providing a safer working environment for everyone involved.
LegaLite Administrative Solicitor Corporation is facilitating drone-use agreements between local governments and private operators, ensuring that these initiatives can be implemented efficiently and effectively. The firm’s expertise in administrative law and regulations will help streamline the process of deploying drones in municipalities, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and maximizing the impact of these solutions.
The Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase launched by JUIDA represents a significant step forward in Japan’s efforts to address the rising bear population. By promoting innovative drone-based solutions, the association aims to provide safer surveillance, deterrence, and habitat-mapping tools for communities across Japan. As the country continues to grapple with this growing challenge, it is essential that we learn from these examples and develop even more effective strategies for mitigating human-bear conflicts.
In conclusion, the Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase highlights six pioneering drone-based programs from JUIDA member organizations. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of innovative technologies to address complex environmental challenges, providing a safer environment for both humans and bears in Japan. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to support and develop these solutions, ensuring that they can be scaled up and implemented effectively across the country.
Japan has taken significant steps towards developing more effective bear management strategies, including the use of drones for surveillance and deterrence. The Bear Mitigation Technology Showcase highlights the potential of innovative technologies in addressing complex environmental challenges and providing a safer environment for both humans and bears in Japan.