Robot wolves let loose in Japan

Robots guard against bear incomers - 21st December 2020

A town on northern Japan's Hokkaido island has taken unusual steps to prevent bears from entering the area. Following an increase in sightings, Takikawa has installed two monster wolf robots designed to spook the brown beasts.

Disguised as real wolves, not seen in Japan for over a hundred years, the mechanical devices are proving to be an effective deterrent. They possess four legs, a body covered in shaggy fur and red, glowing eyes.

Motion detectors activate the monster when an animal comes within range, making the head turn, flashing lights on and off and releasing a realistic wolf howl. The robot also plays recordings of loud noises made by machines. The overall effect successfully startles the bears, which retreat into the forest.

Before hibernating over the winter, bears spend late November stocking up on food. This will see them through the long sleep ahead, but officials advise that during this period bears display more aggressive behaviour.

Local media reports suggest that the forests may have some impact on the bears' more frequent appearances. There seems to be a lack of their usual seasonal diet of acorns and nuts in their natural habitat. This could be motivating them to widen their search for food.

No bear sightings have been reported to local authorities since the monster wolves went into service. Officials intend to keep the deterrents in operation until the entire bear population is safely hibernating.