A growing series of bear encounters has put communities across Japan on edge, culminating in the closure of 94 schools in the city of Utsunomiya after reports of a wild bear roaming residential neighborhoods.

The alarm began over the weekend when a bear was spotted near a public park in Utsunomiya, a city located roughly 100 kilometers north of Tokyo. Authorities received additional reports early Monday morning, including a sighting just a short distance from a local middle school. Concerned about student safety, city officials took the extraordinary step of suspending classes at all elementary and middle schools throughout the municipality.

Despite ongoing search efforts, officials say the animal has not yet been captured and remains somewhere in the area.

The incident is the latest in a series of troubling encounters between humans and bears that have been increasing across Japan. Just days earlier, several people were injured in Fukushima after a black bear entered an industrial area and attacked workers. Security footage reportedly showed employees scrambling to escape as the animal charged through the facility.

Wildlife experts say such incidents are becoming more common as Japan’s bear population continues to grow. Estimates suggest the number of Asiatic black bears has risen significantly over the past decade. At the same time, environmental changes and declining food sources in forests are believed to be pushing the animals closer to towns and cities in search of food.

Japan’s shrinking rural population may also be contributing to the problem. As fewer people live and work in remote regions, wildlife is increasingly moving into areas once occupied by humans.

In response to the growing threat, authorities have expanded efforts to manage bear activity. Government agencies have established special response teams and experimented with unusual deterrents, including robotic wolf devices designed to frighten bears away from populated areas.

One particularly unusual case highlighted the intelligence of these animals. A bear that entered a factory and injured workers reportedly evaded multiple capture attempts involving tranquilizer darts, traps, and bait. Local officials later discovered evidence suggesting the animal may have manipulated a locked window to escape.

Mayor Yuki Baba described the bear as exceptionally clever, noting reports that it had been observed turning on a water faucet and possibly opening a secured window. Investigators found scratch marks near the lock, leading them to believe the animal had managed to free itself.

Search teams equipped with drones and supported by police continue to monitor affected areas, but concerns remain high among residents.

The broader trend has become increasingly alarming. Officials recorded a record number of bear-related fatalities in Japan last year, along with more than 100 injuries. Scientists believe extreme weather conditions, including unusually hot summers, may be disrupting traditional hibernation cycles and reducing natural food supplies, increasing the likelihood of encounters with people.

The issue is not unique to Japan. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, including Romania, where tourists have been injured after approaching and feeding wild bears. Wildlife authorities there warn that repeated human interaction can make bears less fearful of people, raising the risk of dangerous confrontations.

As Japanese officials continue their search for the bear in Utsunomiya, the incident serves as another reminder of the growing challenge of balancing human safety with wildlife conservation in a rapidly changing environment.