Golfers in Japan had extra than simply bunkers and water hazards to cope with when a bear sighting introduced an early finish to a event due to security issues, marking the second time in lower than two weeks that wild animals have invaded a professional golf event.
The ultimate spherical of the Twinfields Women on the ladies’s second-tier Step Up tour in central Japan was cancelled after a bear was noticed on the course on Saturday.
The choice was taken to guard gamers and spectators, stated organizers.
Reina Maeda, who was main on six-under par after Friday’s second spherical, was declared the winner, incomes 2.7 million yen (about $19,000) for the victory.
“I was very surprised, but I’m very happy,” stated the 19-year-old.
Empty 18th inexperienced is seen because the play of the ultimate day has been cancelled after a bear is witnessed throughout the remaining spherical of the Twinfields Women Match at Golf Membership Twin Fields on Might 24, 2025 in Komatsu, Ishikawa, Japan.
Yoshimasa Nakano/JLPGA through Getty Photographs
Earlier this month, a snake slithered onto the golf course on the PGA Championship at Quail Hole Membership in Charlotte, North Carolina, the BBC reported. That got here only a day after a turtle interrupted play on the identical course.
Human encounters with bears have reached report ranges in Japan, with 219 folks attacked, leading to six deaths within the 12 months main as much as April 2024.
Local weather change affecting meals sources and hibernation instances, together with depopulation attributable to an ageing society, are inflicting bears to enterprise into cities extra steadily.
Japan’s authorities in February authorized a invoice permitting hunters to shoot bears in populated areas.
In December, a bear that rampaged by a Japanese grocery store for 2 days was lured out with meals coated in honey. Police stated the animal was trapped and later killed.
Extra from CBS Information
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