Mountains & Hiking · Toyama
Inugatake Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Inugatake, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Inugatake’s most recent black bear report came from Itoigawa in Sotoba on April 24, 2026, when a bear about 1 meter long was seen very close to a residence, with another sighting in the same area moments earlier around 16:50. That kind of edge of settlement activity is exactly what has been showing up along this stretch of country.
The busiest areas in this record are Itoigawa and its mountain fringe, especially Sotoba, Ichiburi, Uta, and the Oyashirazu Cliffs area, where bears have been seen near homes, roads, persimmon trees, and trails. Activity peaks in November 2025 with 14 reports, then stays active into December 2025 with 2, while October 2025 also had 6; across the full record, Inugatake has logged 104 black bear sightings.
Inugatake Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
November had more sightings than October, and they're all concentrated in the Itoigawa area now instead of spreading across Asahi.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Inugatake
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Inugatake?
Inugatake has recorded 104 bear incidents in total, with 2 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 Inugatake?
The most recent bear sighting in Inugatake was on April 24, 2026 in Itoigawa 大字外波, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Inugatake?
Recent bear sightings in Inugatake have been concentrated in Asahi (18), Itoigawa (14), Asahi Nanbo (12). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Inugatake?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 2 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Inugatake?
Inugatake 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.