Bear attacks across Japan have mounted to the highest level since records began in 2006, marking the worst known year for bear attacks in the country.
The Environment Ministry said that there were 193 bear attacks nationwide in the eight months since April, that left 212 casualties, including six people dead.
Photograph shows a road sign to beware of bears in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, northern Japan. /CFP
Seventy percent of the attacks occurred in northeastern Japan, including 70 in Akita and 45 in Iwate.
Thirty people were attacked by the animal in November, the second highest for the month.
Bears usually go into hibernation from late November to December, but ministry officials warned more attacks are possible.