A black bear caused chaos at Japan’s Yamagata Airport on Thursday after it was spotted twice on the runway, forcing authorities to cancel 12 flights and bring air traffic to a halt. The animal’s surprise visits sparked a swift response from police and hunters, who were deployed around the facility.
The bear was first seen early in the morning, delaying four domestic flights by over an hour. Just when normal operations resumed, the bear reappeared in the afternoon, strolling across the runway and prompting another shutdown. “We had no choice but to suspend operations,” said airport official Akira Nagai.
Also Read: Lahore Airport to Close Daily for Bird Safety Amid Monsoon Rains
Authorities have since called in professional hunters to capture the bear, while police have been stationed at the airport to prevent any further incidents. Officials said the runway would remain closed until at least 8pm for safety reasons.
The bizarre incident highlights a concerning rise in human-wildlife encounters in Japan. Experts blame shrinking habitats and food shortages for the spike in bear sightings. Last year alone, over 200 people were attacked by bears in Japan, with six reported deaths.
