Mountains & Hiking · Hokkaido
Mount Shōkotsu Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Shōkotsu, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
On March 23, 2026 at around 16:00, a driver on National Route 273 in Takinoue Town spotted 2 brown bears moving through the roadside brush in the Taki no ue plain. That is the most recent serious sighting in Mount Shōkotsu, and it adds to a run of fresh reports from Takinoue in late March.
Most of the bear activity has been centered in Takinoue, with repeated sightings also coming from Kamimon Pass. The pace was heaviest in July 2025 with 25 reports, stayed high in August 2025 with 16, and remained active in June 2025 with 14, while March 2026 has already brought 3 reports; across Mount Shōkotsu, the area has recorded 77 brown bear sightings in total.
Mount Shōkotsu Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
8月から11月にかけて和寒町で相次いでるのを見ると、ずいぶん頻繁に出没してるなという印象だ。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Shōkotsu
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Shōkotsu?
Mount Shōkotsu has 77 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 Shōkotsu?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Shōkotsu was on March 29, 2026 in Takinoue, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Shōkotsu?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Shōkotsu have been concentrated in Takinoue (47), Takinoue 四区 (18), Takinoue 滝西 (7). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Shōkotsu?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Mount Shōkotsu?
Mount Shōkotsu is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.