A Japanese city has suspended all its primary and secondary schools after a bear was spotted in a residential area for the first time ever. A total of 94 schools were closed in Utsunomiya, a city of half a million people located 62 miles north of Tokyo, as officials search for a black bear that was seen near a park on Saturday.
Bear Sightings Across the City
CCTV footage showed the bear running in front of two young men in the city centre on Sunday. The animal was also seen in residential areas during the day. Additional sightings were reported near a factory district on Monday. Emergency services are urging residents to keep doors and windows closed and not to approach the bear if they see it.
Previous Bear Attacks in Fukushima
Last week, police searched for an "extremely intelligent" bear that attacked four people after evading capture by unlocking a window. The attacks occurred in the Sasakino district of Fukushima, northeastern Japan. Security camera footage showed a black bear chasing an employee near the entrance of Fukushima Steel Works. A man in his 20s was thrown to the ground, and a second male employee in his 60s was injured. The bear later injured a third person at a separate company, and a woman in her 80s was also attacked.
Government Response to Rising Bear Population
In March, the Japanese government estimated the bear population at around 57,800. Officials have adopted a road map for bear population management, including systematic culling. The plan aims to triple the number of bear control staff to 2,500 within five years and double the number of bear traps.
Bear Alerts in Tokyo Suburbs
Other bear sightings have been reported in Tokyo's western suburbs, including the hiking area of Okutama. Park officials have set up additional traps and launched bear alerts on social media. The government has stepped up public awareness campaigns, urging hikers and mushroom hunters to check notifications about bear sightings and avoid outdoor activity in the early morning and evening when bears are active.
