1. Wild brown bears have been spotted in populated areas of Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan.
- A taxi driver and a local resident reported bear sightings around 2:30 AM on Wednesday.
- No bears were found during the search, but traces of scat were discovered.

2. Safety measures have been implemented due to the bear sightings.
- Two elementary schools have temporarily closed as a precaution.
- Junior high schools remain open, with parents asked to drop off and pick up their children at specific times.
- The city is increasing patrols with police and stepping up safety measures.

3. Brown bears are likely to be in urban areas due to low acorn production this year.
- Residents are urged to follow garbage disposal guidelines and harvest their vegetable gardens early to avoid attracting brown bears.
- There has been a surge in bear activity and sightings in Sapporo recently, including an attack on a man in his 40s last Friday.