According to Fukushima Minmin News and Fukushima Central Television, on June 3 local time, the Fukushima City Government in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, reported that a black bear that caused four injuries in Sasaki-no area remained in the factory of an electronic equipment manufacturing and sales company as of 10 a.m. that day.
The Fukushima City Government revealed that due to the flammable items stored in the factory building, live ammunition could not be used for emergency hunting. Initially, the local authorities planned to use tranquilizer guns for the hunt. However, after a tranquilizer bullet was fired at 2:20 PM on February 3rd, there was no further opportunity to use those tranquilizer guns. As a result, classes at Noda Elementary School and Noda Middle School were temporarily suspended on the same day.
On the evening of the 2nd local time, Fukushima City Mayor Masakado stated that he approved an emergency hunting permit in the afternoon of the 2nd. Hunters then fired anesthetic bullets that hit the black bear. However, the bear did not fall into a state of unconsciousness; instead, it remained in a state of constant excitement.
On June 2nd, local time, a black bear that had caused injuries was running within the factory area. Fukushima Minpou News
It is reported that the hunting team consisted of three hunters. After the black bear entered the factory building, the staff set up barriers inside the building to prevent the bear from escaping. Three traps were placed within the barrier area to capture the bear.
At around 7 a.m. local time on the 2nd day, the Fukushima police received reports from citizens stating that they had been attacked by black bears and suffered injuries.
It is understood that a black bear appeared in the Sasamino area of Fukushima City. It attacked several residents and corporate employees. The victims ranged in age from 20 to 80 years old. Four people were injured as a result of this incident.
One male victim, aged in his 20s, suffered scratches from a bears claws on his waist and abdomen. Several others also sustained injuries of varying degrees. Fortunately, all the victims were conscious when they arrived at the hospital, and there is no immediate risk to their lives.
Surveillance footage near the scene of the incident shows that a man, upon spotting the black bear, kept retreating. He then turned around and tried to flee, but was still chased by the black bear, which attacked him. After the man struggled, it seems that the black bear was frightened by nearby vehicles, and it rushed into the factory building.
The police said that the black bear later attacked a male employee who was over 60 years old within the factory premises. It was reported that the bear pushed the man to the ground and stepped on his back. Surveillance footage also showed the black bear moving around inside and outside the buildings, indicating that its range of activities was quite extensive.
