Ichino Ayasa, NTV Reporter: 

Students are returning to an elementary school that was temporarily closed following a series of bear sightings. 

Students: Good morning. 

Schools in Utsunomiya reopened on June 11 after repeated bear sightings forced classes to be suspended. 

Children returned to classrooms for the first time in several days. 

Fourth grader:  

I’ve brought a bear bell for protection. I was sad  because I couldn’t go to school and see my friends.  

I can’t wait to play dodgeball with my friends again  as soon as possible. 

City officials say no new bear sightings have been reported since a bear was captured on private property earlier this week. 

The decision to reopen schools was also based on advice from wildlife experts 

 However, authorities say another bear could still be in the area and patrols are continuing across the city.