Mie Prefecture issues bear alert for seven cities and towns; bear sightings confirmed in Ise Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Office area urge caution

Mie Prefecture issued a bear alert on the 28th for seven cities and towns under the jurisdiction of the Ise Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Office, after a black bear sighting was confirmed. They are urging people to exercise caution when entering mountain forests. According to the prefecture, a resident driving a car on a forest road in Minamiise Town spotted a black bear on the morning of the 15th. A passerby also spotted one crossing the …