ISTANBUL

Bears have disrupted operations at nearly 30% of companies in northeastern Japan, according to an online survey Friday by a credit research firm.

Japan has experienced a rise in bear sightings and encounters this year, partly due to food shortages in their natural habitats.

The survey by Tokyo Shoko Research showed that 28.9% of the firms in the region were affected by bears, while 6.65 of companies were affected nationwide, according to Kyodo News.

The northeastern region saw the highest number of bear attacks this year.

Between April and October, there were 197 reported attack victims, approaching the annual record of 219 recorded in fiscal 2023, according to preliminary figures from the Environment Ministry.