Utsunomiya, a city of 513,584 people located 100km north of Tokyo, has closed all 94 of its primary and secondary schools following an unprecedented bear sighting. As of Monday, June 8, 2026, authorities are searching for a medium-sized black bear that has been tracked moving through residential and factory districts near the city center.
Why are bear encounters rising in Japanese cities?
Japan has recorded a staggering 50,000 bear sightings this year, a trend that experts link to fluctuations in natural food sources like acorns. When these staple crops fail, bears are forced to forage in urban areas. According to reports, the rural population decline in Japan—specifically among younger residents—has left residential zones quieter, making them more attractive to roaming animals.
Asiatic black bears, which can grow to 1.5 meters and weigh 120kg, are the primary species involved in these mainland encounters. In contrast, the larger brown bears in Hokkaido can reach 2 meters and weigh up to 400kg.
How is Utsunomiya responding to the threat?
City officials have taken immediate safety precautions to protect the public. Residents are urged to keep doors and windows locked, avoid approaching the animal, and seek shelter in the nearest building if they spot the bear. The city has deployed public address vehicles to broadcast warnings, while police and members of the local hunting association are actively searching for the animal, which was last seen near a factory district at 4:00 am on Monday.
What is the scale of the bear issue across Japan?
The situation in Utsunomiya follows a series of high-profile incidents across the country. Last week, a bear in Fukushima attacked four people and entered a company office and a factory. These incidents reflect a broader trend; the year leading up to March saw a record high number of deaths and injuries from bear attacks. Local governments are now experimenting with new technologies, such as CCTV cameras integrated with AI analysis, to monitor bear movements and prevent future human-wildlife conflicts.
