Japanese communities facing bear problems may now have an unlikely protector known as the "Monster Wolf". This robotic wolf, equipped with moving parts and intimidating sounds, is successfully driving away dangerous bear encounters in rural Japan. Originally deployed in towns like Takikawa, the cyborg wolf is gaining national attention for its effectiveness. Developed as a collaboration by machinery maker Ohta Seiki, Hokkaido University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture, the aim is to coexist with wildlife while ensuring public safety.

Bear incursions into populated areas of Japan have been a longstanding issue, particularly in Hokkaido, where agricultural landscapes border wildlife habitats. The "Monster Wolf" reflects the country's willingness to resort to innovative technology to solve this ongoing problem. As bears threaten both human safety and property, technologies that offer a non-lethal solution are highly valued in Japan, where respect for life and balance with nature is highly emphasized.

In the US and EU, wildlife incursions are also a concern, but are typically handled via a variety of other methods. Depending on the region, these might include bear-proofing programs, wildlife corridors for safer animal transit, or the use of bear spray as a deterrent. While technology-based solutions are also used, they have not yet permeated to the level seen in Japan.