A black bear was captured in Utsunomiya, a city of about 500,000 people approximately 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, after sightings near homes, parks, schools, and a shopping arcade since June 6 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The bear weighed around 100 kilograms and measured about one meter in length [1, 2, 3].

Utsunomiya closed all 94 primary and secondary schools for multiple days amid safety concerns from the bear's presence [1, 2, 3, 4]. Local authorities used tranquilizer guns over multiple attempts and captured the animal after about 1 hour and 40 minutes near the main railway station on June 9, approximately 2.5 kilometers south of the city center [1, 5, 6]. A city official said, "Depending on where the animal is found, they will decide whether to tranquillise, shoot, or trap it for release" [3].

The bear was first spotted near a city park and later captured on CCTV in the city center on June 6 [2, 3]. It was seen repeatedly in residential and factory districts about 2 kilometers from the city center during early morning hours on June 7 [2]. The school closures began on June 8 in response to ongoing threats [2, 3, 4]. Throughout the sightings, officials urged residents to keep doors and windows locked and to take refuge indoors [1, 2, 4]. A city official said, "We have vehicles out to areas where a bear was seen to make people aware and to urge people to stay indoors or in vehicles" [4].

Japan has seen record levels of bear sightings exceeding 50,000 in the year to March 2026 [2, 4]. The Asiatic black bear population on Honshu island is estimated between 12,000 and 42,000 individuals, growing since hunting was reduced in 2012 [2, 3]. Causes for the surge in bear encounters include decreased natural food due to climate change, rural depopulation, and abandoned farmland [2, 3].

In the 2025 fiscal year, Japan recorded a record 238 bear attack victims, including 13 fatalities [1, 3, 4]. A ministerial task force was established earlier this year to address the rising attacks and casualties [1, 3]. Authorities are using new technology such as drones with thermal cameras and AI-powered trail camera analysis to track bears [1, 2].

Elsewhere, a different bear in Fukushima remains uncaptured after attacking people and breaking into a factory. The Fukushima mayor described that bear as "extremely intelligent," noting it reportedly opened a window to escape [1, 2]. "The bear may have turned the handle itself," the mayor said [1].

Utsunomiya’s recent successful capture followed days of disruption and fear for residents, who faced school closures and safety warnings. The city is continuing to monitor bear activity closely while implementing safety measures[s1-s7].