The drama unfolded in Akita in northern Japan. A 47-year-old employee got the shock of his life when the bear appeared and attacked him, including in the face, as the man was preparing the store before opening. He managed to get to safety, called the police, and the store was evacuated.
It wasn't until two days later that the animal could be lured out through the back door, with the help of a trap baited with honey-soaked fruit, bread, and flakes, according to local media.
Once outside, the bear was anesthetized and then put down.
The man in question received stitches in his face and head, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Bear attacks are a growing problem in Japan. In the past year, six people have been killed in such attacks, which is more than any other year since statistics began to be kept in 2006. And it's much worse for the bears – over 9,000 animals have been killed.
The cause of the problems is unclear. One theory is that bears are venturing closer to human settlements in a Japan with fewer and older people in rural areas. Another theory suggests that climate change is affecting the bears' access to food and winter hibernation.
