Japanese education authorities closed 62 schools temporarily due to multiple sightings of bears in surrounding areas. The decisions were made to ensure student safety and to conduct daily surveys of the bear situation. No injuries have been reported so far. The timing and exact locations of the closures have not been specified.

Interaction with wildlife, especially with bears, is strictly regulated in Japan, prioritizing human safety while respecting the habitats of these animals. The sociocultural values of safety and respect for nature play heavily in decisions like temporary school closures in such situations, creating a balance between preserving natural habitats and ensuring public safety.

While wildlife sightings are also common in rural areas of the US and EU, there may not be a similar immediate response of school closures. In these regions, local authorities usually opt to contain the animal or steer clear of the area, with school closures being a last resort after evaluation of the situation.