Robots guard against bear incomers - 21st December 2020

A town on the Japanese island of Hokkaido has set up robot wolves to frighten off bears. Takikawa, in northern Japan, has seen higher numbers of bears appearing in the countryside which surrounds the town.

The bears are becoming increasingly dangerous and have attacked a lot of people. They have even killed two people.

The city has responded to the threat by purchasing two robotic wolves. These robotic monsters have the appearance of real wolves, which became extinct in Japan more than a century ago.

The wolves feature moving heads, which include red eyes that glow and flash when sensors detect movement. Speakers on the robot also give out a wolf-like howl. The overall effect this creates forces the bears back into the woods.

During the winter, bears hibernate to save energy. In the period before they go to sleep, they feed on energy rich nuts and seeds in the forest. However, officials warn that this makes the bears more aggressive.

This year, it is believed that trees have produced fewer seeds than usual. This could explain why bears are leaving the forest.

Since the monster wolves were introduced, there have been no further reports of bear sightings. The town plans to continue using the robots until the bears have all entered hibernation.