Utsunomiya, a city in Japan with a population of around half a million, has taken the precautionary measure of closing all 94 primary and secondary schools following the sighting of a medium-sized black bear. The bear was first spotted near a park and later captured on CCTV running through the city center, alarming residents. Officials are urging citizens to secure their homes and avoid approaching the bear, which has been seen in various locations, including residential areas and a factory district. This year, Japan has recorded an unprecedented 50,000 bear sightings, primarily in the north-east, with increasing bear encounters resulting in injuries and fatalities. Local governments are exploring innovative solutions, including AI-linked CCTV systems, to monitor bear movements. The population of Asiatic black bears on Honshu Island is estimated between 12,000 and 42,000, with fluctuating food supplies and declining rural populations contributing to their encroachment into urban areas. Authorities continue to search for the bear while advising residents to stay vigilant.