Japanese authorities are struggling to contain a bear described as “extremely intelligent” that has been rampaging through residential areas in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido. The animal, believed to be a brown bear, has evaded capture for over a week, prompting Tokyo to request assistance from British zoologists.
The operation now involves a team from the University of Oxford’s Department of Zoology, who are advising local police and wildlife rangers on behavioural patterns and trap placement. The bear has demonstrated unusual cunning, disabling early trap mechanisms and avoiding manned patrols. It has been sighted near Sapporo, raising public safety concerns.
Hokkaido has experienced an increase in bear encounters in recent years, attributed to habitat loss and a dwindling food supply. However, this particular specimen’s cognitive abilities have startled experts. Dr. Alistair Finch, the lead British advisor, said: “This bear is not simply acting on instinct. It is learning from our methods and adapting. We are dealing with an animal that displays problem-solving skills typically associated with higher primates.”
The bear has reportedly damaged several properties and injured one person who encountered it while walking a dog. Local schools remain closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors. A curfew is under consideration.
Japanese media have dubbed the animal “The Genius of the Forest.” Public sentiment is divided between fear and a reluctant admiration for its survival instincts. Environmental groups have cautioned against lethal force, urging a non-violent resolution.
The British team has recommended the use of specialised tranquilliser darts fired from drones, as well as acoustic deterrents to steer the bear towards a containment zone. They estimate the operation could take another week, barring any unforeseen escalation.
This case highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Japan, where urban sprawl increasingly encroaches on natural habitats. For now, the priority remains the safe capture of an animal that seems determined not to be outsmarted.
