Bear forces Yamagata Airport to cancel flights amid chaos
- A black bear was spotted at Yamagata Airport, causing a closure of the runway.
- The bear's presence led to the cancellation of 12 flights as efforts were made to manage the situation.
- The increased frequency of bear encounters in Japan poses significant concerns for safety and infrastructure.
In Japan, on June 26, a black bear was spotted on the runway at Yamagata Airport, prompting an emergency response from airport authorities. The bear, approximately four feet tall, first appeared around 7 a.m., leading to delays for four flights as staff attempted to manage the situation. The bear reemerged near noon, resulting in further complications as it was seen running on the tarmac. Airport staff utilized a car to chase the bear away, but their efforts resulted in a second runway closure, during which 12 flights were ultimately cancelled due to safety concerns. An official from Yamagata Airport stated, 'Given the situation there is no way we can host plane arrivals now.' An ongoing stalemate ensued as local police and hunters were called in to assist with a plan to trap the bear, which remained at large within the airport premises well into the evening. By the time the sun set, reports indicated that the bear was still on-site, and the airport remained closed to passenger arrivals. This incident is emblematic of a broader problem in Japan, where human encounters with bears are on the rise, culminating in record levels of attacks and fatalities. The phenomenon can be attributed to changing patterns in climate impacting bear habitats, food sources, and a decrease in human populations in rural areas, allowing these large mammals greater freedom to roam and expand their territory. In response to these rising challenges, the Japanese government has taken legislative action to enable hunters to shoot bears in populated regions in an effort to protect human life and vital infrastructure.