Japan has experienced a sharp rise in bear attacks and encounters this year, with a record 12 people killed by bears. And it's not just hikers being attacked in the mountains. A study by The Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that 66% of the 172 people hurt or killed by bears since April were in residential areas when they were attacked. For this reason, local governments and Japanese media are offering advice on what to do if you meet a bear. According to Miyagi prefecture's official website, if you see a bear, you should stay calm and back slowly and quietly away. Akita prefecture's website says it's also a good idea to move so something is between you and the bear, like a tree, a rock or a utility pole. The important thing is not to run — this is more likely to make the bear chase you, and bears can run much faster than humans. If attacked, the advice from Akita prefecture is to lie face down and cover the back of your neck with your hands. According to Miyagi prefecture, most bear attacks finish after one blow, so if you protect your head and neck you should survive. Bear spray can help keep bears away, but the Miyagi website notes that it can be difficult to use, so the best thing is not to meet a bear at all! NHK suggests looking at bear sighting maps, which are provided by local governments, so you can stay away from areas where bears are likely to be. Hikers in Japan often wear a bell to warn bears of their presence and keep them away. But Shota Mochizuki of Fukushima University told TBS News Dig that it might be a good idea to wear many bells. This might make a bear think there are many people and not just one. And because bears don't usually attack groups, staying with other people is also a good idea!