FUKUSHIMA - A bear that injured four people in Fukushima City escaped despite efforts to capture it using tranquilizer darts and box traps, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain on high alert.
The approximately one-meter-long bear attacked four men and women in the Sasakino district on June 2nd, moving between business premises and nearby residential areas before taking refuge inside a factory.
Officials spent nearly 40 hours attempting to capture the animal after it remained inside the building. The city deployed tranquilizer darts and installed box traps around the site, but the bear escaped through a factory window at around 11 p.m. on June 3rd and has not been seen since.
At a news conference on June 4th, Fukushima City revealed that although a tranquilizer dart struck the bear, the anesthetic failed to enter the animal's body for reasons that remain unclear.
Authorities also disclosed that the bear displayed unusual behavior while inside the factory. Workers observed it turning on a faucet and drinking water, while investigators believe it managed to unlock and open a secured window before making its escape.
Mayor Yuki Baba described the animal as exceptionally intelligent.
"This bear was seen turning on a faucet to drink water and appeared capable of opening a locked window by itself," Baba said. "I believe it was an extremely intelligent bear."
Baba added that the bear remained highly agitated throughout the standoff, making it difficult for officials to safely assess the situation and carry out capture efforts.
Bear attacks have become increasingly common across Fukushima Prefecture in recent years. In April, a man in his 50s was injured by a bear while gathering wild plants in Fukushima City, while sightings have continued to rise across the prefecture as bears venture closer to populated areas.
Police and local authorities believe the bear may still be in the vicinity and are urging residents to exercise caution, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.
Source: FNN
