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Utsunomiya Closes 94 Schools After Urban Bear Sighting

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Utsunomiya suspended all 94 schools after Japan’s first urban bear sighting and warned residents to lock doors, close windows and avoid the animal.
The suspension follows a record 50,000 bear sightings nationwide this year, including incidents near Tokyo and Fukushima.
Authorities, citing experts who link the surge to climate-driven loss of acorns and beechnuts and out-migration of younger residents, are using AI-linked CCTV and public-address vehicles to track the bear.

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Story summary

Utsunomiya suspended all 94 schools after Japan’s first urban bear sighting and warned residents to lock doors, close windows and avoid the animal.
The suspension follows a record 50,000 bear sightings nationwide this year, including incidents near Tokyo and Fukushima.
Authorities, citing experts who link the surge to climate-driven loss of acorns and beechnuts and out-migration of younger residents, are using AI-linked CCTV and public-address vehicles to track the bear.