Cities & Towns · Aomori
Hirakawa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hirakawa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Hirakawa’s most recent black bear encounter came on April 25, 2026, on Route 102 on the way to the Gohabezuyama observation deck at Lake Towada, where a bear slowly approached before moving aside to let a car pass. Another recent sighting was reported in Hirakawa Ikarigaseki Kogake on February 10, 2026, showing that bear activity is still reaching the roads and settlement edges here.
Most of the activity has been centered in Hirakawa Ikarigaseki, with repeated reports there through October, November, and December 2025. The busiest stretch came in October 2025 and September 2025, with 21 incidents in each month, followed by August 2025 with 24; across Hirakawa, the record now stands at 248 black bear sightings overall.
Hirakawa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
碇ケ関地区に集中してるのが気になるけど、去年の247件がこのペースで積み重なってるのか。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hirakawa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hirakawa?
Hirakawa has recorded 248 bear incidents in total, with 1 reported in the last 30 days and 1 in the last 7 days. These reports are compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions, and can be viewed on the incident map.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Hirakawa?
The most recent bear sighting in Hirakawa was on April 25, 2026 in Hirakawa, Aomori, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hirakawa?
Recent bear sightings in Hirakawa have been concentrated in Hirakawa Ikarigaseki (21), Hirakawa Ikarigaseki-Hisayoshi (17), Hirakawa Ikarigaseki-Kogake (9). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hirakawa?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 1 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Hirakawa?
Hirakawa is home to Asian black bears, which weigh up to 120kg and inhabit the mountains of Honshu and Shikoku. They are generally shy but can be dangerous when surprised or protecting cubs. Carry bear bells while hiking.