Overview
- Local authorities say the bear attacked four people in Fukushima’s Sasakino area on June 2, injuring employees and nearby residents aged in their 20s to 80s.
- The animal entered an OKI Symfotech factory and stayed inside while city teams set four box traps, baited with honey and apples, and used tranquilizer darts.
- A dart struck the bear on June 2 but did not sedate it, and officials declined to use live ammunition because flammable paint and other hazardous materials were stored inside the building.
- The bear was observed leaving the factory late Wednesday and was seen crossing the site’s west gate around 10:50 p.m., after which on-site emergency hunting was called off and searches began.
- As searches continue, nearby elementary and junior high schools switched to online lessons and residents have been urged to remain indoors while police and city teams patrol the area.