Asian black bear pair found under house eaves in Maizuru; city orders emergency shooting
Asian black bear mother and cub shelter under a Maizuru home; Kyoto city authorized emergency shooting using a dart gun on Sept. 3, 2026. No injuries reported.
Kyoto’s Maizuru city announced on Sept. 3, 2026, that an Asian black bear mother and her cub had taken refuge under the eaves of an outbuilding in the Onamishita area, prompting municipal authorities to authorize an emergency shooting operation. City officials said no one was injured and that arrangements were being made to remove the animals by means of a tranquilizer dart. The pair was first reported by a neighbour in the late afternoon, and local police and city staff confirmed the presence on site.
Bears located beneath outbuilding eaves
City agricultural officials reported that a call from a nearby resident arrived at about 5:10 p.m., after which police notified municipal staff who inspected the property. Personnel observed one adult Asian black bear and one cub sheltering under the eaves of a detached structure adjacent to the main house. Two members of the household were being kept inside the main residence while officials assessed the situation.
Maizuru authorizes emergency shooting operation
At about 6:00 p.m., following consultations with police and Kyoto prefectural authorities, Maizuru city decided to carry out an emergency shooting operation under provisions that allow local governments to authorize lethal or capture measures when residents face imminent danger. City officials said they would proceed using a tranquilizer dart gun to immobilize the animals for removal. Arrangements for trained personnel and necessary equipment were put in place immediately after the decision.
Residents sheltered; wider perimeter secured
Officials asked the two residents of the affected property to remain indoors and reported that about ten neighbouring households within a roughly 60‑metre radius were also sheltering indoors as a precaution. Authorities emphasized that the measure was taken to limit risk to people in the area while the operation was prepared. Police and municipal staff established a safety perimeter and were maintaining contact with neighbours to monitor the situation.
Operational details and safety protocols
Maizuru city said the removal would be carried out by personnel experienced in wildlife operations, using a sedative delivered by a dart gun to immobilize the bears before transport or disposal in accordance with applicable regulations. The city indicated coordination with the prefectural government and law enforcement to ensure public safety and to follow legal procedures for wildlife handling. Officials also planned for post‑operation checks to confirm there were no further risks to residents and to assess any property damage.
Context on Asian black bear encounters and municipal response
Asian black bears, known in Japan as tsukinowaguma, are native to mountainous and forested regions and occasionally enter human settlements in search of food or shelter. Municipalities in areas where such encounters occur have established protocols that range from warning residents and deterring animals to authorizing emergency removal when immediate danger is assessed. Maizuru’s decision reflects the city’s judgment that the proximity of the animals to occupied homes posed a clear threat requiring swift action.
Next steps for residents and authorities
City officials said they would provide updates to residents and the public as the operation proceeds and as information becomes available about the outcome. They also urged households in the area to avoid approaching the scene, to secure pets and livestock, and to report any further bear sightings to municipal hotlines or the police. The municipal agricultural division planned to review the incident afterward to consider any additional measures to reduce the likelihood of similar encounters.
City authorities reiterated that no injuries had been reported at the time of the announcement and that public safety remained the priority as teams prepared to carry out the removal. The city asked for cooperation from residents while the operation is underway and promised to publish further details once the situation is resolved.
