Bear Escapes Fukushima Factory After Attacking 4, Opening Window to Evade Capture
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Bear Escapes Fukushima Factory After Attacking 4, Opening Window to Evade Capture
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Summary
Four people were attacked before the bear slipped out of a Fukushima electronics factory overnight, apparently unlatching a window and fleeing after authorities had cornered it.
A tranquilizer dart failed and food traps failed too, with the bear reportedly eating fruit and honey bait without being caught; police also held back from shooting because flammable materials were inside.
Fukushima officials said the animal had earlier opened a faucet with its front paws to drink, prompting the mayor to call it "extremely intelligent" and express regret over the escape.
Drone searches began Thursday and schools shifted online for the day as Japan faces rising bear encounters, with a record 13 people killed in attacks between April 2025 and March 2026.