Nearly a hundred schools in a Japanese city have been closed because a wild bear is on the loose. Dozens of hunters are looking for the animal, which has been seen at schools and in a shopping area.
Source: ANP, The Guardian
The city of Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo, has received more than 10 reports of the bear since Saturday. The black bear, estimated to be about three feet long, was spotted near a park in the city. Early on Sunday morning, the animal was filmed again by surveillance cameras as it ran past two startled young men in the city center.
According to Japanese media, it is the first time that a bear has been seen in Utsunomiya. More than half a million people live in the regional city. The authorities have erred on the side of caution and decided to close all primary schools and some secondary schools. The municipality has also deployed mobile loudspeakers to warn locals. Meanwhile, the police and the local hunting association continue to search for the animal.
More and more attacks
Japan is experiencing increasing numbers of bear sightings and attacks, especially in urban areas. For example, last week a bear attacked four people in another Japanese city. He entered a company office, injuring an employee, and then entered a factory. It is believed the bear escaped from inside through a window.
Experts say the increase in bears is because the animals have to find other food sources due to climate change. In addition, they dare to come closer to or in inhabited areas due to the declining population numbers in rural areas.