The government of Canada has updated its travel advice for Canadians visiting Japan, warning of bears in the northern region of the country.

On the travel page for Japan , between warnings of tensions on the Korean peninsula and a slight increase in the crime rate, is a section labelled “Bears.”

“There is an increased presence of bears in northern Japan, including in Akita, Niigata, Hokkaido prefectures,” the warning states. “Bears have been sighted in urban areas, including resorts and hiking trails. Some encounters have resulted in casualties.”

It adds: “If you plan on visiting northern Japan: Always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone in areas where bears have been sighted. Follow the warnings or alerts issued by local authorities.” The page include

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