Four more people injured in Japan's bear attacks

Japan has recorded a total of 12 deaths from bear attacks this year.

Bears have appeared again in the northeast, where at least four people were injured in the past few days.

According to NHK, two people were injured in separate attacks by bears in Akita Prefecture on Monday.

Earlier, a man in his 80s living in Fukushima Prefecture's Aizubange was attacked from behind by a 1.5-metre-long bear, while clearing weeds outside his home.

He suffered injuries to his head, shoulder and lower leg, and is currently in hospital but not in a life-threatening condition.

In Iwate Prefecture's Hanamaki, an 89-year-old woman was also attacked by a bear.