A male Asian black bear is captured in a Japanese city north of Tokyo after being repeatedly seen for about four days. Authorities in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, say the bear—estimated at around 100 kilograms and roughly one meter long—wanders into urban areas, prompting escalating concern among residents.
As sightings continued, local officials order precautionary measures, including the closure of schools. Multiple reports say 94 public primary and middle schools in Utsunomiya are closed during the search, with other schools also shut or closed as a safety step. The bear is reported to have been spotted in different locations across the city, including areas such as a shopping arcade, a university, and a wholesale market.
On Tuesday, after a coordinated operation involving dozens of hunters and police, the bear is tracked, cornered, and sedated or tranquilized. The capture ends the multi-day search, according to reports. Authorities also say the bear is believed to have come down from nearby mountains north of the city. The recent wider context includes reports of bear incidents in Japan and ongoing attention on public safety.
