Bear Panic Grips Utsunomiya: Schools Shut and Helplines Open

The city of Utsunomiya in Japan captured a wild black bear after a multi-day search that led to school closures and resident warnings. Increased bear attacks have prompted government action. An adult bear was tranquilized and driven away, as Japan sees rising bear populations due to environmental changes.

The Japanese city of Utsunomiya made headlines on Tuesday with the capture of a wild black bear after an intense multi-day search. The sighting led to the closure of all 94 municipal primary and middle schools as authorities urged residents to stay indoors.

This incident is part of a troubling trend. Bear attacks in Japan, including urban areas, have surged, prompting the government to establish a task force to address this issue. The environment ministry reported a record 238 casualties, including 13 deaths, in fiscal 2025.

In a dramatic conclusion, the adult bear, weighing around 100 kg, was tranquilized and caged by authorities. The rise in bear sightings is attributed to factors like climate change and rural depopulation, forcing bears to venture closer to human settlements in search of food.