Mountains & Hiking · Hokkaido
Mount Iō (Shiretoko) Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Iō (Shiretoko), compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
On April 29, 2026, two brown bears were seen on the road to Iwaobetsu Onsen in Shari. One was on the right side of the road heading out from the onsen, and the other was on the river bank, which is a sharp reminder that bear activity is still very close to the access roads in Mount Iō (Shiretoko).
The most active ground in this area has been around Mount Rausu and the Iwaubetsu River corridor, with another sighting also coming from Horobetsu River country. Activity peaks in August 2025, which had 8 reports, while March 2026 and September 2025 each had 1; in all, Mount Iō (Shiretoko) has logged 13 brown bear sightings.
Mount Iō (Shiretoko) Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Iō (Shiretoko)
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Iō (Shiretoko)?
Mount Iō (Shiretoko) has recorded 13 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 Mount Iō (Shiretoko)?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Iō (Shiretoko) was on April 29, 2026 in Shari, Hokkaido, where 2 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Iō (Shiretoko)?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Iō (Shiretoko) have been concentrated in Mount Rausu (5), Shari (1), Shiretoko, Utoro, Shari Town — mountain slope (filmed from a kayak tour at sea; near the Horobetsu River) (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Iō (Shiretoko)?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 1 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Mount Iō (Shiretoko)?
Mount Iō (Shiretoko) is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.