Bear on runway halts flights at airport: "We're in a stalemate"

Published: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:20 am

**Bear on Runway Causes Airport Shutdown, Highlights Rising Human-Bear Conflict in Japan**

A black bear's unexpected appearance on the runway of a Japanese airport on Thursday caused significant disruption, leading to flight cancellations and a day-long closure. The incident underscores a growing concern in Japan: the increasing frequency of human-bear encounters.

The bear, estimated to be about four feet tall, was first sighted near the runway early Thursday morning, causing initial flight delays. The situation escalated when the animal was later observed running on the runway, prompting a complete shutdown of the airport. Airport officials confirmed that the runway would remain closed for the remainder of the day, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights. Authorities deployed hunters to set up a trap and police officers to secure the perimeter, describing the situation as a "stalemate."

This incident is not an isolated event. Japan has witnessed a surge in bear-related incidents, with attacks on humans reaching record levels. Data indicates that in the 12 months leading up to April 2024, there were 219 attacks and six fatalities. This rise in encounters is attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, which is impacting food sources and hibernation patterns, and the shrinking human population in rural areas, which allows bears to expand their range.

The Japanese government has taken steps to address the issue, including approving a bill that allows hunters to shoot bears in populated areas. Previous incidents, such as a bear's rampage through a supermarket, have highlighted the challenges of managing these encounters.

BNN's Perspective: The situation in Japan presents a complex challenge. While the expansion of bear populations can be viewed positively from a conservation perspective, the safety of the public and the functionality of essential infrastructure, like airports, must be prioritized. Finding a balance between protecting both humans and wildlife will require continued efforts, including proactive measures to mitigate human-bear conflict and effective strategies for managing encounters when they occur.

Keywords: Japan, bear, airport, runway, flights, cancellations, wildlife, climate change, human-bear conflict, hunters, safety, population, incidents, government, infrastructure.

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