4 Injured in Bear Attacks in Japan

Four people were injured in a series of bear attacks in northeast Japan on Tuesday morning, with all victims reported to be conscious after being taken to hospital, according to local authorities.

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. in the city of Fukushima, when a bear attacked two employees at a steel manufacturing facility, injuring a man in his 20s and another in his 60s.

The animal then moved into a nearby residential area, where it attacked an elderly woman in her 80s inside a home and later injured another man in his 60s at a separate office building.

Police said the bear remains at large, with reports of sightings in the area since Monday evening. Authorities are considering emergency measures that could allow the animal to be culled if necessary.

The attacks occurred near Fukushima Steel Works Co., located about three kilometres northwest of JR Fukushima Station, prompting local officials to cancel classes at nearby elementary and junior high schools as a precaution.

Authorities continue to search the area while urging residents to remain indoors and exercise caution as wildlife sightings increase across parts of northern Japan.