Bear sighting in Japanese city forces closure of nearly 100 schools

Utsunomiya, a city of half a million residents north of Tokyo, has closed 94 schools after a black bear was spotted roaming residential areas and parks over the weekend. The bear's presence, captured on surveillance footage in the city center, has prompted an urgent search by police and local hunters.

This incident highlights a growing problem across Japan, where bear encounters in populated areas are on the rise. This year alone, a record 50,000 bear sightings have been reported nationwide, a significant increase that has authorities concerned. The sightings in Utsunomiya are particularly notable as they represent the closest bears have come to Tokyo in recent memory.

Last week, a bear attack in Fukushima injured four people, underscoring the potential danger posed by these encounters. The Japanese government is grappling with how to manage the increasing bear population and mitigate the risks to public safety, especially as these animals venture further into urban environments.