Mountains & Hiking · Niigata
Niigata-Yakeyama Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Niigata-Yakeyama, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Niigata-Yakeyama’s most recent black bear report came on April 20, 2026, when a cub under 1 meter long was seen in a paddy field in Sekiyama, Myoko City, only about 300 meters from a residence. Another bear was reported on April 18, 2026 in Itoigawa, in the Dokura area near the community center, and it moved east.
The activity has been heaviest around Myoko and Itoigawa, with more than one recent notice coming from each area, including Sekigawa, Akakura, Shin Akakura Onsen, Dokura, and Sunaba. The busiest stretch in the records was October 2025, with 3 incidents, followed by September 2025 and July 2025 with 2 each, and this area has logged 36 black bear sightings overall.
Niigata-Yakeyama 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 Niigata-Yakeyama
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Niigata-Yakeyama?
Niigata-Yakeyama has recorded 36 bear incidents in total, with 2 reported in the last 30 days and 0 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 Niigata-Yakeyama?
The most recent bear sighting in Niigata-Yakeyama was on April 17, 2026 in Itoigawa 大字土倉, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Niigata-Yakeyama?
Recent bear sightings in Niigata-Yakeyama have been concentrated in Myoko (11), Itoigawa 大字砂場 (7), Myoko 大字赤倉 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Niigata-Yakeyama?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 2 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Niigata-Yakeyama?
Niigata-Yakeyama 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.