US Schools Closed as Officials Search for Second Bear

Utsunomiya city officials closed all elementary and middle schools on Wednesday after reports suggested a second bear may be roaming the area ^[3].

The decision highlights the severe disruption wildlife incursions cause in urban Japanese residential zones. While one bear has been removed, the continued risk to students prompted a city-wide shutdown of the education system to ensure public safety.

Authorities captured one male bear near a residential area in Higashiyanase around 2 p.m. on Tuesday ^[1], ^[2]. This capture followed a series of bear sightings that began June 6 ^[4]. Despite the capture of the first animal, police and city officials said they cannot rule out the presence of a second bear in the vicinity ^[2].

Local police and city authorities have increased patrols throughout the city to locate any remaining wildlife. The closure on Wednesday serves as a precautionary measure while these teams monitor the residential sectors of Higashiyanase, and surrounding neighborhoods ^[2].

Officials said the risk remains elevated because sighting reports continued to arrive even after the first bear was secured ^[2]. The city is coordinating with hunting associations to conduct sweeps of the area to confirm whether the threat has been fully neutralized ^[2].

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to local authorities immediately. The city has not yet provided a specific timeline for when schools will resume normal operations, pending the results of the ongoing searches ^[1].