Mountains & Hiking · Nagano
Mount Ontake Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Ontake, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mount Ontake saw its most recent serious activity on April 28, 2026, in Otaki, when a mother with 2 cubs was reported, and another cub was spotted there the same day. That followed more sightings in Otaki on April 19, April 16, and April 15, with both juvenile and fully grown black bears turning up close to the trail and village edge.
Most of the activity has been concentrated in Otaki, with another report on March 16, 2026, in Otaki 九蔵, and a separate sighting on April 11, 2026, in Gero Osakacho Ochiai along Prefectural Route 441. The busiest stretch came in September 2025, July 2025, and June 2025, when reports stayed high, and Mount Ontake has recorded 222 black bear sightings overall.
Mount Ontake Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
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王滝村に集中してるのか、直近2ヶ月でずいぶん多いな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Ontake
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Ontake?
Mount Ontake has recorded 222 bear incidents in total, with 6 reported in the last 30 days and 2 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 Ontake?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Ontake was on April 27, 2026 in Otaki, Nagano, where 3 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Ontake?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Ontake have been concentrated in Otaki 下条 (17), Kiso (16), Takayama 高根町留之原 (15). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Ontake?
Activity has slowed. 2 incidents in the last 7 days, 6 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Mount Ontake?
Mount Ontake 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.