Mountains & Hiking · Gunma
Mount Arafune Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Arafune, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mount Arafune’s latest black bear report came on March 9, 2026 in Karuizawa 大字発地, where a juvenile bear was seen, and another juvenile was reported there on March 7, 2026. Those fresh sightings show the area is still active right at the edge of the trail network and nearby ground people use.
Most of the activity has been centered in Karuizawa 大字発地, which has kept appearing again and again through the season. The busiest stretch came in July 2025 with 14 reports, while December 2025 brought 5, November 2025 had 4, and October 2025 had 4; in all, Mount Arafune has recorded 70 black bear sightings.
Mount Arafune 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 Arafune
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Arafune?
Mount Arafune has 70 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 Arafune?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Arafune was on March 8, 2026 in Karuizawa 大字発地, Nagano, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Arafune?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Arafune have been concentrated in Karuizawa 大字発地 (26), Saku (20), Shimonita Town Nishinomaki (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Arafune?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Mount Arafune?
Mount Arafune 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.