WEB DESK: An “extraordinarily intelligent” bear that injured four individuals in northern Japan continues to evade capture as of Friday, after reportedly opening a window to escape and turning on a water tap.
Japan experienced a record 13 bear-related fatalities last year, and sightings have surged as these animals emerge from hibernation due to increased hunger.
The bear attacked two factories in Fukushima on Tuesday, injuring four workers before seeking refuge inside one of the buildings. Despite efforts by hunters and rescue teams equipped with traps and tranquilizer guns, the animal managed to slip away late Wednesday night.
As of Friday morning, the bear remains untraced, a Fukushima official confirmed to AFP. Fukushima city mayor Yuki Baba told reporters on Thursday that evidence indicated the bear “self-unlocked the window” to escape, with claw marks found near the exit point.
He also noted that the bear “turned on the water tap” to drink, highlighting its remarkable intelligence. Baba stated, “With the cooperation of hunters, police, and firefighters, I believe we exhausted all possible measures to capture it.”
He expressed regret over their failure, saying, “Despite our best efforts, we did not succeed, and that is extremely disappointing.”
Official statistics show that bear sightings nationwide exceeded 50,000 in the last fiscal year ending March — more than twice the previous record set two years prior. These sightings include reports of bears entering homes, wandering near schools, and causing disturbances in supermarkets and hot spring resorts almost daily.
Environmental experts attribute the rising bear population and sightings to abundant food sources such as acorns, deer, and boars, which are increasing due to climate change.
