Bear attacks supermarket employee

A supermarket employee in Akita City was attacked in the store by a bear early yesterday, at around 6.20am local time.

The city, located in the coastal plains of central Akita prefecture and bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west, is known for its natural landscapes, which can sometimes bring wildlife into urban areas.

Local police reported that the employee, a man in his 40s, sustained injuries to his face and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Fortunately, his injuries are not life-threatening.

As at 11am, the bear, measuring approximately 1m in length, remained inside the store.

The local authorities have set up two traps in an attempt to capture the animal. — The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN