Black Bear Captured in Utsunomiya Following Multiple Sightings
Japanese authorities have successfully sedated and captured a black bear after it was observed roaming in Utsunomiya, a city near Tokyo with a population of approximately half a million people.
A veterinarian attempted to tranquilise the bear using a dart gun, missing with the first shot. Subsequent shots were fired about 15 minutes later, with the third shot ultimately sedating the animal.
Meanwhile, another bear described as "extremely intelligent" continues to evade capture in Fukushima, where it was filmed chasing people. Japan is currently experiencing an increase in bear encounters.
Bear attacks reached a record high in 2025, with the environment ministry reporting 238 victims, including 13 fatalities.
According to Utsunomiya East Police, it took officials one hour and 40 minutes to capture the bear after locating it approximately 2.5 kilometers south of the city's main railway station on Tuesday.
The captured bear, estimated to weigh around 100 kilograms, had been sighted by residents more than 20 times since Saturday. Sightings occurred near residential areas, schools, and parks. The bear was also seen swimming in a river and climbing over fences in backyards.
The unprecedented presence of the bear prompted the closure of all 94 public primary and middle schools in the city. Authorities indicated the possibility of two bears in the area and advised residents to keep doors and windows securely locked.
Ongoing Bear Activity and Challenges in Fukushima
Last week, a separate bear attacked and injured four individuals in a residential district of Fukushima city. Efforts to tranquilise this bear have been unsuccessful, and it remains at large. The animal reportedly broke into an electronics factory but escaped after unlocking a window, surprising police officers who had surrounded the building.
The mayor of Fukushima commented on the bear's behaviour, stating:
"Officials also saw the bear drinking water from a tap, adding it may have turned the handle itself, and describing it as being 'extremely intelligent.'"
Authorities have initiated a search for the bear using drones equipped with thermal cameras to track its movements through dense vegetation.
Government and Technological Responses to Rising Bear Incidents
In response to the increasing number of bear attacks, the Japanese government established a ministerial task force earlier this year and implemented emergency response measures aimed at reducing casualties.
Local governments and companies are adopting technological solutions to address the issue. For example, a village in Fukushima prefecture is considering the use of an AI-powered image analysis system for trail cameras to monitor bear activity.
KDDI SmartDrone offers an unmanned aircraft system designed to assist municipalities in tracking bears without requiring specialized training. These drones are equipped with thermal imaging and can follow bears through dense vegetation until hunters or police arrive.
Additionally, companies are developing innovative deterrents. In 2016, Ohta Seiki introduced the "Super Monster Wolf," a solar-powered robotic wolf intended to scare away bears and other wildlife. The company reported receiving dozens of orders in 2026, surpassing typical annual demand.
