- A black bear was successfully captured in Utsunomiya, Japan , following a day-long hunt that led to the closure of all 94 primary and middle schools, as well as Utsunomiya University, in the city.
- The 100kg bear was tranquilised and loaded into a cage after being spotted in a residential area, with local officials yet to determine its fate.
- The incident occurred amidst a significant increase in bear sightings and attacks across Japan, including in urban areas, prompting the government to establish a task force to address the issue.
- In fiscal 2025, Japan recorded a record 238 casualties and 13 deaths from bear attacks, with the Asiatic black bear population estimated to have tripled since 2012 to around 57,800.
- Experts attribute the surge in bears near human settlements to climate change impacting natural food sources, alongside rural depopulation and the increase in abandoned farmland, leading the government to plan increased culling and control measures.
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