Two Killed in Japan After Six Bears Escape Farm

Two female zookeepers were confirmed dead on Friday after being mauled by bears that had broken free from their pens in northern Japan. At least six bears were believed to have climbed over the concrete walls at the "Hachimanhei Bear Farm", a local zoo specializing in bears, possibly thanks to the snow that had accumulated in their pens. Local hunters were immediately called in to the area and shot four of the six escaped bears near the farm. Another two managed to run in to the woods before they were tracked down and also put down, according to Japanese media. One 75-year-old female employee of the zoo was found unconscious near the pens and confirmed dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. A second 69-year-old woman was initially believed missing. Her body was later located some distance away from the bear farm. Before the incident there were a total of 38 bears at the farm.