Steer clear of the Japanese forests, friends:

AGANO — A 14-year-old schoolboy was attacked by a bear on a forest road in Otari, Nagano Prefecture, on Wednesday morning. Police said the boy sustained injuries to his head, face and abdomen and had to be airlifted by helicopter to hospital. Police said the boy told them he was walking to school shortly before 8 a.m. when the bear suddenly appeared out of the forest and attacked him.

Police and local government officials said the number of bear sightings has increased this summer, but that no other attacks on humans had been reported. School officials said they will consider starting a bus service to brings students to school.

If I recall correctly, bear attacks were also the primary reason behind the use of school buses in America. Those foolish Japanese! They’re years behind America in bear attack prevention!

Update: The bear responsible for the attack has been killed!