Japan is witnessing a sharp rise in bear sightings as animals emerge from their winter hibernation, with authorities warning of increased danger ahead of upcoming national holidays.
In recent years, bears have been spotted in urban areas across northeastern Japan, prompting alerts in Fukushima, Iwate and Aomori prefectures. More worryingly, bear encounters have grown increasingly dangerous, with 238 attacks last year leaving hundreds of people injured and at least 13 dead.
