Overview
- The city imposed the first-ever full closure of Maruyama Park, blocking all entrances and outdoor toilets for roughly two weeks and posting warnings at more than 30 access points.
- A man in his 50s reported a bear near Hokkaido Shrine around 5:10 a.m. on Nov. 10, and security cameras in the area captured the animal at about the same time.
- Cameras recorded a bear inside Maruyama Zoo grounds early Nov. 11 and fresh footprints were found nearby the same morning, indicating continued activity.
- Maruyama Zoo has been shut since Nov. 9 after footprints were discovered, with no reopening date set as staff install electric fencing around some enclosures and set box traps.
- Officials assess the incidents as likely involving the same bear about one meter long, and Hokkaido Shrine has reduced access hours at parts of its grounds as a precaution.