Bear mauls four people in Japanese residential area as attacks climb nationally

A brown bear entered a residential neighborhood in Japan earlier this week. The animal attacked four residents before authorities intervened. All four victims sustained injuries of varying severity. Local police captured the bear and placed it in a wildlife facility. The incident adds to a rising yearly tally of bear attacks in the region. Experts link the increase to expanding human settlements near forest habitats. Authorities are urging residents to secure food sources and avoid attracting wildlife. Officials plan to review safety measures to prevent future encounters.