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Black bear caught in Japan, causing chaos for days

2026-06-09 14:35:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Black bear caught in Japan, causing chaos for days

Authorities in the city of Utsunomiya in Japan have captured a black bear after days of intensive searches that drew nationwide attention. The animal's presence in residential areas forced the closure of schools and restrictions on residents' movements.

The bear was first spotted on Saturday evening, prompting local authorities to close 94 elementary and secondary schools for two consecutive days.

However, schools will remain closed on Wednesday as there are concerns that a second bear may still be moving in the area.

This afternoon, after the animal was spotted again in a residential area, police and search teams immediately surrounded the area. The operation lasted more than an hour and was broadcast live by several national Japanese media outlets.

The bear, an adult animal weighing about 100 kilograms, was neutralized with a tranquilizer and then transported to a cage. Authorities have not yet decided what will be done with the animal.

The incident comes at a time when clashes between people and bears have increased significantly in Japan. According to the Ministry of the Environment, 238 people were attacked by bears during the fiscal year 2025, including 13 people who lost their lives.

Experts link the increased presence of bears near populated areas to climate change, which has reduced natural food sources, as well as the abandonment of rural areas and the increase in unused agricultural land.

These factors are forcing animals to move closer and closer to human settlements in search of food. /CNA





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