Overview
- Police and local hunters are maintaining around-the-clock patrols as the bear or bears remain unlocated days after the July 12 attack.
- Hokkaido Research Organization teams began collecting hair, feces and saliva samples on July 14 for DNA analysis to pinpoint the attacking individual.
- Officials have linked sightings of bears with differing fur colors to repeated incursions by more than one animal, intensifying tracking and removal operations.
- The first-ever Higuma Warning for Fukushima Town remains in effect through August, urging residents to avoid nonessential outings.
- Local schools have shifted to staggered drop-offs and parent escorts, and residents continue to stay home under heightened safety measures.