Bears Invade Japanese Tatami Factory – A Wild Capture

In a gripping twist of events, three bears recently found themselves in a peculiar situation within a tatami mat factory in northern Japan. The ordeal ended with their capture, as disclosed by town officials.

The saga began when an alert town official on patrol came across these uninvited guests. The bears, believed to be a parent bear and two cubs, boldly ventured into the tatami factory on a fateful Wednesday morning in Misato, a town located in Akita prefecture. This region had witnessed a surge in bear-related incidents near residential areas, adding to the intrigue of the situation.

The owner of the tatami factory shared his disbelief, recounting how he had seen the bears loitering outside but never imagined they would venture indoors.

Swiftly responding to the unusual scenario, town officials and police officers donned protective gear, including helmets and shields, as they closely monitored the bears' movements. Local hunters attempted to scare the intruders away with firecrackers but found their efforts in vain. Subsequently, a strategic plan was put into action: a pair of cages was placed at the factory's entrance, and a vigilant overnight watch ensued.

As the sun rose on Thursday morning, relief swept through the town as the bears were successfully confined within the cages. Two cubs shared one enclosure, while the adult bear occupied the other. The captivating moment when the cages were carefully transported from the factory and loaded onto a pickup truck with a crane was captured on television.

Misato swiftly issued an urgent message to residents, confirming that all three bears had been safely captured. Reports circulating in the media later revealed that the bears were euthanized due to concerns that their release might pose further threats to the town.

Akita has experienced an alarming spike in bear attacks on humans in the year 2023, with a record-breaking 30 cases already reported. The bears' descent from the forests is attributed to their quest for sustenance, driven by a scarcity of acorns, their primary food source. To mitigate the risks, local officials have urged residents to refrain from leaving garbage unattended and encouraged hikers to carry bells for noise-making and anti-bear spray as a precaution. Additionally, they've advised individuals to lie flat face-down if they encounter a bear, a safety measure that, while unusual, might prove life-saving.