Authorities in Utsunomiya City are stepping up efforts to locate and capture a bear repeatedly spotted in residential and commercial areas.

The bear was first seen running through Orion-dori, a popular shopping district in downtown Utsunomiya, during the early hours of June 7. Bear sighting reports have continued to pour in since then.

Between June 6 and June 8, police received more than 40 reports of bear sightings, while city officials received an additional 12.

On June 8, police officers responding to a bear sighting report near a local junior high school saw the animal.

The mammal was spotted again on the morning of June 9 near an elementary school and near Utsunomiya University.

Utsunomiya University suspended classes across all faculties after reports of bear sightings on its campus on June 9. 

The city decided to close all 94 municipal elementary and junior high schools for two consecutive days, while officials and police prepare capture measures that could include an emergency cull if necessary.

Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal if spotted.