Mountains & Hiking · Niigata
Mount Naeba Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Naeba, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mount Naeba most recently saw a black bear on April 25, 2026 at Yuzawa Mitsumata, where one bear was sighted while driving on National Route 17 and its path afterward was unknown. Before that, Yuzawa had another string of close encounters in November 2025, including a cub seen on a village road heading toward Yamamoto, and earlier autumn reports of bears near homes and along Route 17.
The busiest ground in this area is Yuzawa, with additional activity in Sakae, and the reports clearly build toward autumn, when October 2025 brought 24 incidents and September 2025 and August 2025 each brought 18. Across Mount Naeba, black bear activity has been recorded 178 times overall, with sightings still appearing into November 2025 after the autumn peak.
Mount Naeba Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
Yuzawa's had multiple sightings with cubs near houses and Route 17 in just two weeks, and now one at the former nursery school.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Naeba
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Naeba?
Mount Naeba has recorded 178 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 Naeba?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Naeba was on April 25, 2026 in Yuzawa Mitsumata, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Naeba?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Naeba have been concentrated in Yuzawa (69), Yuzawa Mitsumata (38), Sakae (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Naeba?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 1 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Mount Naeba?
Mount Naeba 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.