Tokyo, Nov 5 (AP) Japan deployed troops Wednesday to the northern prefecture of Akita to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorised residents in the mountainous region.

Reports of unexpected encounters with bears are now being reported almost daily ahead of hibernation season as the bears forage for food. The animals have been seen roaming near schools, train stations, supermarkets and even at a hot springs resort.

Some of the encounters have resulted in injuries and even human deaths. The growing bear population’s encroachment into residential areas is happening in a region with a rapidly ageing and declining human population.

Since April, more than 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan, according to Environment Ministry statist

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