Woman seriously injured by bear in central Japan

A woman has been seriously injured by a bear in Nagano, in the latest in a series of bear attacks in Japan, police said on Saturday.

The bear bit her right wrist and scratched her back, causing major injuries that are expected to take about one month to heal. The incident comes after a man suffered minor injuries in a bear attack in Kijimadaira Village Friday evening.

The prefectural government has issued a bear alert, urging people to keep away from the mountains in the early morning and evening, when bears are active. People are also advised not to enter the mountains alone and to carry bells. They are also urged to avoid places where bears have been seen.