A bear sighted roaming the streets of Utsunomiya, a city north of Tokyo, has prompted the closure of 94 public primary and junior high schools as authorities intensify efforts to locate the animal. The decision came after at least 10 reports of bear sightings were made since Saturday, with the animal spotted in various locations including a shopping arcade and residential areas.

Utsunomiya city officials deployed vehicles to alert residents, urging them to remain indoors or inside vehicles for their safety. Dozens of hunters, police officers, and local officials have joined the search operation. Authorities have not confirmed whether the reports pertain to a single bear or multiple animals, citing ongoing investigations.

The bear was first seen early Saturday morning north of the city center. Descriptions indicate the animal measures approximately one meter (three feet) in length. Subsequent sightings occurred in a residential neighborhood, at a shopping arcade on Sunday, and later at a park, a high school, and a junior high school.

This incident reflects a broader trend in Japan, where encounters with bears have increased significantly in recent years. According to official figures, bear sightings nationwide exceeded 50,000 in the year ending March 2026, more than double the previous record set two years earlier. The rise in sightings has been linked to bears emerging hungry after hibernation and has resulted in a record 13 human fatalities last year.

Utsunomiya, a regional capital with a population of around 510,000, had recorded only two unconfirmed bear sightings in the previous year, underscoring the unusual nature of the current situation. Authorities continue their search to ensure public safety and prevent potential attacks.