A black bear that strayed onto the runway at Yamagata Airport in northern Japan on Thursday caused the temporary closure of the runway and the cancellation of dozens of flights, Reuters reports, citing Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV.
The bear first appeared in the early morning hours, after which officials immediately suspended all operations at the airport, causing delays.
Shortly before noon, the animal reappeared on the runway, causing flights to be halted again, the Guardian reports.
Footage shows an airport security vehicle with blue lights flashing trying to chase the intruder off the runway. The bear quickly fled, but is believed to still be somewhere within the airport grounds, prompting the airport to be closed to passengers for the rest of the day.
"Given the situation, we are currently unable to accept planes," Yamagata airport official Akira Nagai told AFP, adding that the second airport closure had led to the cancellation of 12 flights.
Hunters have been called in to set a trap, while police have been deployed around the airport to prevent the bear from escaping.
"We are currently at a stalemate," Nagai said.
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