Cities & Towns · Fukushima
Minamiaizu Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Minamiaizu, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Minamiaizu saw its latest bear report on April 25, 2026, when a hiker at the Saito yama trailhead in Nagano Ozo dan spotted a black bear about 50 cm long and left the area right away. Just days earlier, on April 16, 2026, a juvenile bear about 0.5 m long crossed a town road in Tabu, and on April 6, 2026, another bear about 1 m long crossed National Route 121 in Itozawa.
The busiest ground in this area has been around Shioe, Nagano, Itozawa, Tabu, and Shionohara, where sightings keep turning up along roads, rice fields, parking areas, and trailheads. Activity has been strongest in October with 30 incidents and November with 27, then it stayed active through September with 19, August with 12, and into winter with January 2026 at 4 and February 2026 at 7. Minamiaizu has recorded 181 black bear sightings overall.
Minamiaizu Bear Incident Map
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Comments (1)
Five separate reports from the same morning in Harada Ko, Shioe on February 22nd? That's a lot of documentation for one sighting in one place.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Minamiaizu
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Minamiaizu?
Minamiaizu has recorded 181 bear incidents in total, with 5 reported in the last 30 days and 2 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 Minamiaizu?
The most recent bear sighting in Minamiaizu was on April 15, 2026 in Minamiaizu Tabe, Fukushima, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Minamiaizu?
Recent bear sightings in Minamiaizu have been concentrated in Minamiaizu Haryu (12), Minamiaizu Tabe (10), Minamiaizu Nagano (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Minamiaizu?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 5 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Minamiaizu?
Minamiaizu 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.