A black bear that terrorised a Japanese town for days has been captured, ending a saga that gripped the nation. The bear, which had evaded capture since Sunday, was finally sedated and secured by local authorities in a coordinated operation. UK wildlife experts have commended the Japanese response, calling it a model of efficiency and restraint.
The bear’s rampage began when it was spotted rummaging through bins in the outskirts of Takikawa, a city on Hokkaido. Over the following days, it caused chaos: overturning cars, raiding gardens, and forcing school closures. Local media dubbed it the ‘Phantom Bear’ for its ability to slip through cordons. At its peak, the bear had injured three people, two of whom required hospital treatment.
The operation to capture the bear involved 30 police officers, wildlife rangers, and marksmen. They used a combination of trap cages and drones to track the animal. The final capture took place in a wooded area near a golf course. A tranquiliser dart was used, and the bear was then transported to a sanctuary for assessment.
UK wildlife experts, speaking from the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey, praised the Japanese approach. “It was textbook,” said Dr. Alistair Finch, a leading zoologist. “They prioritised public safety but also showed respect for the animal. No lethal force was used until it was absolutely necessary. That’s a lesson in crisis management.”
Insiders in the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that officials had been monitoring the situation. “There are always lessons to be learned,” a Defra source said. “But this was a well-executed plan. It balances the needs of the community with conservation.”
The capture comes amid a rise in bear sightings in Japan. Climate change and urban encroachment have pushed bears into human settlements. This incident has reignited debates over culling versus relocation. For now, the bear’s fate is undecided. It will undergo a medical evaluation and may be released into a remote forest.
Backbench MPs in the UK have seized on the story. Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, tweeted: “A shining example of how to handle wildlife conflicts. Our own government should take notes.” The tweet was liked by over 10,000 accounts.
But not everyone is impressed. Some local residents in Takikawa remain angry. “We were scared for days,” said shopkeeper Yuki Tanaka. “The bear came into my garden. My children couldn’t go to school. I want it destroyed.”
Polling data on bear management in Japan shows a nation divided: 48% of respondents favour culling, 45% prefer relocation. In the UK, similar debates rage over badger culling and deer management. The Japanese response may influence future policy here.
The bear’s capture is a relief for Takikawa. Schools reopened today. The economy, which took a hit from lost tourism and business closures, will slowly recover. The bear, meanwhile, is in a holding facility, awaiting its fate.
This story is a reminder that wildlife management is a political minefield. The decisions made in Tokyo and Whitehall are scrutinised by voters and activists alike. For now, the UK’s wildlife experts have given Japan a cautious thumbs up. But the real test will come when such a bear appears in rural Northumberland or the Scottish Highlands.
