World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Bear released in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture returns near park
A black bear was seen again near Kobo-yama Park in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, after it had been captured and released into the mountains.
The bear was captured in the park on October 19 and released the next day because bears in Kanagawa are protected.
A tracking device confirmed it was the same bear photographed near the park on October 23.
The city closed routes leading to the park and urged people to be cautious.
Another report says three hiking trails were closed and that officials are considering killing the bear.
The bear’s return has renewed safety concerns for people visiting the area.
A black bear released after being captured in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, was identified near Koboyama Park.
The bear was filmed crossing in front of a camera near the park on the night of October 23.
A tracking device showed it was the same male bear captured inside the park on October 19.
The city said the bear had been released in a mountainous area on October 20 because bears are protected in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The city closed a route to the park and urged people to take care.
- Who
- A male Asiatic black bear previously captured in Hadano.
- What
- The bear was seen again near Koboyama Park after being released.
- When
- It was filmed on the night of October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Near Koboyama Park in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The city captured a male Asiatic black bear inside Koboyama Park.
The bear was released in a mountainous area because bears are protected in Kanagawa Prefecture.
A camera near the park filmed the bear, later identified by its tracking device as the same animal.
The city closed a route leading to the park and urged caution.
- Capture date
- October 19, 2026
- Release date
- October 20, 2026
- Reappearance
- Night of October 23, 2026
- Location
- Near Koboyama Park, Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Identification
- A tracking device showed it was the same bear