TOKYO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- A man was seriously injured after being attacked by a bear while hiking in a mountainous area in western Tokyo's Okutama Town on Sunday, public broadcaster NHK reported.
According to the police and town officials, the incident occurred at around 11:55 a.m. local time. The man encountered the bear while hiking alone on a mountain trail near Mount Sanukido.
The man sustained serious injuries to his face and arms and was airlifted to a hospital while conscious, the report said, adding the victim was not in a life-threatening condition.
Okutama officials said they had searched the surrounding area with police and hunters, but did not find the bear. A trap cage has been set up.
The attack occurred about 1 kilometer from the nearest residential area. Local authorities are urging hikers and other visitors to avoid nearby routes and to take precautions such as wearing bear bells when entering the mountains.
Seven bear sightings have been recorded in Okutama since April, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. ■