Man killed in suspected bear attack in central Japan

Mr Kobayashi was found by a colleague who went looking for him when he failed to return to work after visiting a construction site, Japaneses broadcaster NHK reported

According to newspaper Asahi Shimbun, four people were injured in bear attacks in Nagano this month.

Authorities in the prefecture have issued severe warnings to residents not to venture into the mountains at dawn or dusk when bears are most active.

Officials advised residents visiting the mountains to travel in groups and to carry an item that makes a noise, such as a bell.

Bear sightings and incidents happen usually around April when they are awake from hibernation in search of food, and then again in September and October when they eat to store fat for the winter months.

However, reduced yields of acorns – the biggest food source for bears – has made their movements unpredictable.