Mountains & Hiking · Hiroshima
Azuma yama Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Azuma yama, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Azuma yama has been hearing from bears again: on April 12, 2026, one Asiatic black bear was sighted near the Makihara Tunnel on National Route 432 in Kami ai, and another mature bear was reported in the same area that evening. That is the kind of close roadside encounter that has people watching the edges of the forest very carefully.
The most active spots have been Okuizumo and Shobara, especially around Kami ai, Kotouge, Hondani, Hiwacho Mitsugaichi, Saijocho Kumano, and Otani, where reports have kept coming from roads, forest roads, shrines, fields, and hillside crossings. Activity peaked in July with 4 incidents, then stayed lively in June with 3, before easing to 2 in August and October and 1 each in September and November; altogether, this area has logged 15 black bear sightings.
Azuma yama Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
Shobara area coming up five times in the last four months, while Okuizumo's spread across different locations.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Azuma yama
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Azuma yama?
Azuma yama has recorded 15 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 Azuma yama?
The most recent bear sighting in Azuma yama was on April 12, 2026 in Okuizumo Kamiai, Shimane, where 2 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Azuma yama?
Recent bear sightings in Azuma yama have been concentrated in Okuizumo (3), Okuizumo Kamiai (2), Shobara Hiwacho-Mitsugaichi (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Azuma yama?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 2 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Azuma yama?
Azuma yama 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.