Japanese City Shuts Schools as Authorities Track Wild Bear in Residential Areas

Authorities in Nayoro, a city in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture, ordered the immediate closure of all local schools on Friday after a bear was spotted roaming through residential districts. The decision to suspend classes at 13 elementary and junior high schools follows multiple reports of the animal appearing on public streets during the morning commute. Emergency Search and Public Safety Measures Local police and municipal officials launched a coordinated search operation shortly after the first sighting was reported at approximately 7:40 AM. Patrol cars equipped with loudspeakers circulated through neighborhoods, advising residents to remain indoors while hunters and wildlife experts tracked the animal's movements. While no injuries have been reported, the proximity of the sightings to school zones led officials to prioritize the safety of students and staff by halting all educational activities. Increasing Frequency of Urban Bear Encounters The incident in Nayoro reflects a broader trend of escalating bear encounters across Japan. Wildlife experts suggest that a shortage of natural food sources, such as acorns and nuts in mountain habitats, is driving bears into…