A surge in bear attacks across Japan has prompted authorities to equip schools in a Tokyo suburb with bear spray. The country recorded a historic 13 bear-related fatalities in the last fiscal year. This year alone, between April 1st and May 30th, five people have died and twenty have been injured by bears. The increased frequency of encounters is driving the preventative measure in areas where bear populations are expanding closer to human settlements. Officials hope the bear spray will protect students and staff during commutes and outdoor activities. The deployment reflects a growing concern over human-wildlife conflict in Japan.