TOUGH TO BEAR

Flights Canceled After Black Bear Wreaks Havoc on Airport Runway

The animal made its way onto the airfield as officials gave chase.

An elusive black bear flummoxed Japanese airport officials by running around the grounds of Yamagata airport, causing a dozen flights to be canceled. The bear first appeared at the airport site in the early morning hours on Thursday, prompting an immediate shutdown and several delays. Just when airport officials thought they were in the clear, the bear reappeared on the runway. In footage published by The Guardian, the furry disrupter can be seen loping around with its mouth open and climbing onto a fence. After halting all flights upon the bear’s return, airport officials tried to chase the animal away with an airport car flashing lights. However, the bear is thought to still be at large. “We’re in a stalemate now,” said a Yamagata airport official. The official went on to say that hunters have arrived at the airport to set a trap for the bear, with police guarding the outskirts of the premises. Bear sightings in Japan have spiked recently, raising a terrifying prospect for airport officials: This bear might bring friends.