Bear on Japan Airport Runway Cancels 12 Flights

A black bear roaming on the runway of Yamagata Airport in northern Japan caused the cancellation of at least 12 flights on Thursday.

Airport officials temporarily suspended operations after the bear was spotted in the early morning hours. Despite initially disappearing, the bear reappeared shortly before noon, leading to a further suspension of flights.

Efforts to remove it with a security vehicle were unsuccessful, and it is believed to remain within the airport grounds. Hunters have been called in to set a trap, while police have been deployed around the perimeter.

The incident comes amid an increase in human-bear encounters in Japan. In the twelve months to April 2024, at least 219 people were attacked, and six died.

Experts attribute the increase to the climate crisis and the declining birth rate.