Mountains & Hiking · Nara
Mount Miwa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Miwa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
On March 18, 2026, a large black bear was seen at 20:30 on the agricultural road from Hongo toward Asoda in Uda Ouda Shibo, walking in the same direction as a car. That is the most recent strong report, and it adds to an active stretch that also includes a black object moving on Muro Dam Lake in Uda Haibara Yamabesan on March 11, 2026.
The most active area in these reports has been Tenri, with sightings near the Shirakawa Dam Management Center in Tenri Iwayacho and near the Tenri Tunnel in Tenri Uchibabacho, along with repeated reports in Nara Haricho. Activity peaks in May with 6 incidents and stays busy in July with 5, then remains present through November and December before easing in March; across Mount Miwa, there have been 28 black bear sightings overall.
Mount Miwa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
three separate sightings in Nara Haricho on the same day, all while running. that's unusual clustering for one location.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Miwa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Miwa?
Mount Miwa has 28 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 Miwa?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Miwa was on March 11, 2026 in Uda Haibara-Yamabesan, Nara, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Miwa?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Miwa have been concentrated in Nara Haricho (7), Tenri Wanicho (2), Tenri Uchibabacho (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Miwa?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Mount Miwa?
Mount Miwa 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.