Japan has deployed troops to the country's mountainous north to help trap bears after local authorities said communities were struggling to cope with an unprecedented wave of attacks.

The operation started in Kazuno, a town of around 30,000 people, on Wednesday.

"As bears continue to enter populated areas in many regions and injuries from bear attacks increase daily, we absolutely cannot afford to put off bear countermeasures," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato said.

For weeks, residents of Kazuno have been urged to avoid the thick woods and stay indoors after dark to keep clear of bears foraging near homes for food.

"Even if just temporary, the SDF's (Self-Defense Forces) help is a big relief," said Yasuhiro Kitakata, who oversees the town's bear department.

"I used to think be

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