An unknown number of Brown (Grizzly) Bears have escaped from their enclosures in a northern Japanese zoo/park today. This occurred in Northern Japan in an area known as Akita (378 miles north of Tokyo). This zoo/park holds 38 Brown Bears.
“It’s difficult to say exactly how many bears left their cages.” – local police spokeswoman
Once free, these bears mauled and killed two female zookeepers in the park.
Initially emergency crews weren’t able to enter the park due to the unknown location of the bears. They could see a down staff member, but couldn’t get to her to offer aid.
“There is an unresponsive female at the facility, but emergency workers cannot go close because there might be bears on the loose.” – local police spokeswoman
“It appears that she is dead. Her injuries are so severe that it is difficult to identify her from afar.” – local police spokeswoman
Local hunters have already shot and killed 6 of the escaped bears.
The first bear attack was reported at 10am local time. The park is currently tourist free as it’s still closed for the winter.
Only three staff members were on location during the bear escape. One staff member was able to escape. Authorities eventually located and reached the mauled bodies of two female staff members.
An unknown number of bears is still roaming the streets in Akita. Everyone in the surrounding area has been instructed to stay indoor with doors locked.
The zoo/park that had the escape is a popular tourist destination in the summer where visitors are permitted to feed the bears.