Bear Sighting Forces Hokkaido Skiers To Evacuate
Dozens of people have been evacuated in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido after two wild bears were spotted near a ski slope. No one was injured.
Police say skiers on a lift noticed the bears in a forest near the peak of the Bibai Kokusetsu ski resort in Bibai City on Sunday morning.
Police also say the bears, believed to be a parent and a child, stayed near the course for about 30 minutes, but were gone when city officials and police officers arrived.
The facility operator says about 80 customers evacuated after the sighting.
The operator says the incident marks the first time a bear has appeared around this time of year.
The ski slope will be closed until Tuesday as a safety precaution.
An employee who saw the bears says he is relieved no customers were harmed. He also says the facility will take all possible measures to ensure customers' safety when the slope reopens.
