Mountains & Hiking · Yamagata
Mount Gassan Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Gassan, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mount Gassan saw its most recent black bear incident on November 30, 2025 at a residence in Yamagata Prefecture, when a single bear crossed the road and entered the grounds before moving on without entering the house or causing injuries. Another sharp sign came on November 20, 2025 in Shimonagawa, Asahi cho, Tsuruoka, where a cub climbed a ginkgo tree and fed on ginkgo nuts.
The busiest ground is around Nishikawa, with repeated sightings also in Shōnai and Yamagata Prefecture itself, especially near wooded edges and settled areas. Activity has climbed in October 2025 with 5 incidents and stayed active in November 2025 with 2, after a summer that also saw June 2025 with 6 and July 2025 with 4; across Mount Gassan, the area has recorded 42 black bear sightings overall.
Mount Gassan Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
西川町に集中してるのが気になるな。
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Gassan
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Gassan?
Mount Gassan has 42 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Mount Gassan?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Gassan was on November 30, 2025 in residence grounds in Yamagata Prefecture, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Gassan?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Gassan have been concentrated in Nishikawa (21), Shōnai 立谷沢 (4), Nishikawa 大字砂子関 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Gassan?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Mount Gassan?
Mount Gassan 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.