Bear Captured After Causing Mass School Closures in Japanese City
A black bear that led to the closure of nearly 100 schools in Utsunomiya, Japan, has been captured. The city, located about 80 miles north of Tokyo, took precautionary measures by shutting down all 94 primary and secondary schools after the bear was seen multiple times over the weekend. The bear was spotted on CCTV running past pedestrians in the downtown area, prompting authorities to advise residents to secure their homes and seek shelter if they encountered the animal. The bear was eventually located on a private property and tranquilized by a local veterinarian. This incident is part of a larger trend, as Japan has recorded a significant increase in bear sightings this year, with encounters moving closer to urban areas like Tokyo.