Bear Spotted in Residential Area of Fukushima Pref., Japan; Nearby Schools Temporarily Closed

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:27 JST, April 7, 2026

KORIYAMA, Fukushima — A bear measuring about 1.5 meters in length was spotted in a residential area of the Kuwano district in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, on Tuesday morning.

The bear headed toward the Ose River, which flows near the residential area, and as of noon, it was reported to be staying in a grassy area along the riverbank.

City government officials and police officers were monitoring the surrounding area and are considering measures such as emergency culling. No injuries to residents have been reported so far.

About 30 minutes after being spotted in the residential area, the bear was seen at the nearby Oshima Shizen Fureai Hiroba park, according to the city government and the prefectural police.

Believed to be the same bear, the city government attempted to capture it by setting up a cage inside the park, but the animal headed to the river at around 10:30 a.m. on the day.

The area is about 3.5 kilometers northwest of JR Koriyama Station.

Since Monday night, there have been a series of reports of a bear spotted on roads and in other areas nearby.

In response to the bear’s appearance, a nearby elementary school and a junior high school were temporarily closed.