Utsunomiya Suspends 94 Schools After First-Ever Bear Sighting Near Tokyo
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 8
Utsunomiya Suspends 94 Schools After First-Ever Bear Sighting Near Tokyo
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 8
Summary
Utsunomiya halted classes at all 94 city-run primary and middle schools on Monday after its first recorded bear sighting, with the animal still at large.
The bear was first seen Saturday evening in a residential area near a park and was last spotted early Monday about 500 meters from a middle school.
Japan has seen rising bear attacks, including in urban areas; in Fukushima last week, a black bear injured at least four people at a steel works.
Asiatic black bear numbers in Japan are estimated to have tripled since 2012, while poorer nut harvests, less hunting and abandoned farmland have pushed bears closer to settlements.