A bear injured four people during an attack in a Japanese residential area on Tuesday, marking the latest incident in a pattern of increasing bear encounters across the country.

The attack occurred in a residential neighborhood, though specific details about the location and extent of the injuries have not been disclosed by authorities.

Japan has experienced a notable increase in bear sightings and encounters in recent months. The animals are emerging from hibernation in a hungry state, contributing to more frequent interactions with humans in populated areas.

Last year marked a particularly deadly period for bear attacks in Japan, with a record 13 people killed by the animals. This fatality count represents the highest number of bear-related deaths recorded in the country.

The rising number of encounters has raised concerns among residents and wildlife officials about the intersection of bear habitats with human settlements. Bears typically emerge from hibernation seeking food sources, which can lead them into residential areas where they may encounter people.