Police officials host 'bear drills’ following string of bear attacks
Man in bear costume chases police with shields in dramatic simulation following attacks on residents
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A string of bear attacks have spread across towns in Japan, prompting officials to host practice drills. (See the video at the top of this article.)
Last month, a bear attacked a man in his 70s near an elementary school in Nasushiobara City, Japan’s public media organization NHK reported.
The nearly five-foot bear wounded the man’s neck and head, leaving non-threatening wounds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}RESCUE OPERATION FREES INJURED MAN TRAPPED 130 FEET UNDERGROUND IN ITALIAN CAVE
Another attack took place in Morioka City with a bear attacking an 81-year-old man’s head, according to NHK.
A school in Aibetsu, Hokkaido, canceled its outdoor classes over what appeared to be bear footprints spotted in the school yard.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Japanese authorities have conducted safety drills featuring simulated bear encounters. (AP Newsroom)
The events have sparked police in Tochigi Prefecture to partner with a local hunters club to conduct "bear drills," according to The Associated Press (AP).
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In the drills, a man is seen wearing a bear costume as he runs and chases police armed with shields and helmets.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The drill included medical response training following the simulation.
A Japanese town conducts a drill after recent bear attacks across the country. (AP Newsroom)
The National Park Service (NPS) shares guidelines with park visitors on its website on best practices in a bear encounter.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal," says the NPS site.
"Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms."
The National Park Service advises park visitors to remain still if encountering a bear. (AP Newsroom)
If a bear stands up, NPS reminds visitors that "a standing bear is usually curious, not threatening."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Park visitors should not allow the bear to access their food.
Visitors should not run from the bear — nor should they climb a tree.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route," NPS says on its site.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.