A grizzly warning to Americans: Beware bear attacks in Japan

Beware the bears: that's the grizzly warning from the U.S.

Beware the bears: that's the grizzly warning from the U.S. Embassy to Americans living in Japan, after a record spate of attacks in recent months.

“Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in municipalities close to or adjacent to populated zones,” the wildlife alert said, adding that Americans should “be aware of your surroundings.”

It added that they should “report sightings to local authorities” in Japan where been have attacked around 100 people in the country since April and killed at least 13, according to the country's environment ministry, the highest toll in over 10 years.

A bear outside Sasama Nursery School in Hanamaki, Japan, last month.Junko Sato / AFP via Getty ImagesThe attacks have taken place near populated areas, primarily in the mountainous north, occurring near supermarkets, bus stations, schools and even a hot springs resort.

The embassy noted the closure of Maruyama Park in the northern city of Sapporo, which is adjacent to the U.S. Consulate General, and was shuttered for two weeks on Tuesday after a brown bear was sighted there on a number of occasions.