Japan's Environment Ministry has issued new guidelines permitting the use of firearms to shoot bears and other wild animals that enter urban areas. The guidelines, set to take effect in September alongside the enforcement of the revised Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law, outline specific conditions and procedures to ensure safety during such emergency shootings. This measure aims to address the increasing occurrences of bears and wild boars appearing in populated areas, where rapid capture by other means may be unfeasible. The ministry emphasizes that the use of firearms will be strictly regulated and only allowed under defined emergency situations to protect public safety.