Authorities in Fukushima Town, Hokkaido, shot and killed a brown bear early Friday morning, just days after another bear fatally attacked a 52-year-old newspaper deliveryman.
The latest incident occurred in a residential area about 900 meters southeast of where the victim was mauled last Saturday.
Officials confirmed the slain bear was not the same one responsible for the deadly attack, indicating at least two bears have been roaming the neighborhood.
The bear, measuring about 1.5 meters in length, was shot twice by a hunter from a local hunting association after residents reported a sighting at 1.55am.
Authorities plan to analyze its stomach contents and DNA to confirm whether it was involved in any other incidents.
The fatal attack last Saturday shocked the community after residents heard screams and witnessed a bear dragging the victim’s body about 100 meters.
The incident prompted the town’s first-ever brown bear alert, warning residents to avoid going out during early morning and evening hours when bears are most active.
Fukushima Town remains on high alert as officials continue to monitor bear activity in the area.
