Bear attacks injure five across Japan

Five people were injured in bear attacks across three Japanese prefectures on Sunday morning, part of a recent surge in incidents.

In Akita Prefecture, a bear attacked a 78-year-old woman in Gojome Town and then a 50-year-old woman who tried to help; both were hospitalized conscious and able to speak.

An 83-year-old man in Misato Town was also injured outside his home and taken to hospital. Authorities captured and killed the bear after a licensed prefectural employee used a tranquilizer gun.

In Aomori Prefecture, a ramen shop worker in his 50s was clawed on the forehead outside his restaurant and treated before returning home.

In Niigata Prefecture, a man in his 60s was assaulted by a one-meter-long bear outside his home, which clawed his left side. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious as bear attacks continue to rise in the region.