Wild boars in Fukushima

May 6, 2014

Culling of wild boars near Fukushima nuclear plant

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140506_10.html 

Areas around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant are still designated as evacuation zones 3 years after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

But the areas have become home to an increasing number of wild boars and their offspring with domestic pigs, and the animals have been causing damage to empty houses and farms.

The Environment Ministry plans to expand its culling of the animals to prevent further property damage.

The ministry culled more than 200 wild boars and their offspring with abandoned pigs between November and February in the 4 towns closest to the Daiichi plant.

But it says the animals continue to cause damage.

The ministry plans to add 3 neighboring municipalities to its culling program, and launch a new operation this month.

All areas of 6 of the municipalities and some parts of the other have been evacuated due to the fallout from the nuclear accident.

But ministry officials say they will continue culling the animals to help prepare for the eventual return of residents.

May 6, 2014 - Updated 02:31 UTC