The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Japan after a record number of wildlife-related deaths were recorded.
Attracting millions of tourists each year with its breath-taking cities and landscapes, the popular Asian destination has seen a surge in bear attacks recently.
Japan’s Environment Ministry revealed 88 people were attacked by the animals in October alone and seven people died, according to NHK World Japan.
This was the worst month for bear attacks in the past decade and has led to the UK Foreign Office warning tourists hoping to head to the country.
The update reads: ‘Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in mountainous and forested areas, including near populated zones.
‘Follow local advice and alerts, and take precautions if travelling in these areas.’
It urges visitors to ‘research the region to learn about the local wildlife’ and avoid walking alone in areas where bears have been sighted’.
The warning also recommends to people ‘take all rubbish with you, including food waste’ and ‘report any sightings to local authorities’.
The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Japan after a record number of deaths were recorded
Between April and the end of October 184 people were injured in the country and 12 killed.
The bears have been spotted in Akita, a mountainous region in Japan, which has seen 56 casualties.
Iwate has seen 34 injured, Fukushima had 20 and Nagana 15.
So far in November, 27 people have been attacked in the country and there has been one death, according to NHK World Japan.
Brown bears and Asiatic black bears are thought to be the culprits, The Mirror reports.
What’s more, AI-generated videos related to the incidents are adding to the anxiety in the country.
A surge of fake videos is making rounds on social media showing people in dangerous situations with bears, as per The Guardian.
Last month, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued an urgent warning for British travellers.
Japan’s Environment Ministry revealed 88 people were attacked by the animals in October alone and seven people died, according to NHK World Japan
It followed a rise in deaths and serious illness across a number of destinations.
The FCDO has expanded methanol poisoning warnings to cover eight additional countries where incidents have been recorded.
Holidaymakers are advised to watch out for signs of methanol poisoning such as blurry vision and confusion.
Countries with newly added warnings about methanol poisoning include popular tourist spots, such as Japan and Mexico.
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Foreign Office issues travel warning for Japan after record number of deaths
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