Hokkaido Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hokkaido, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Hokkaido’s most recent sharp encounter came on April 30, 2026 in Ashoro, where a brown bear crossed the road about 200 meters ahead of a vehicle, then bolted across to the far side and fled when it noticed the driver. That same day, another bear was reported in Wakkanai at 13:35, keeping the northern end of the island on alert, while Shari and Hamanaka also saw fresh reports on April 29, 2026.
The activity is strongest in places like Wakkanai, Tomamae, Shari, Hamanaka, Imakane, and Ashoro, where sightings and captures have kept coming in along roads, station areas, riverbanks, and mountain edges. The pace was busiest in October 2025 with 909 incidents, stayed very high through September 2025 with 694 and August 2025 with 605, then eased into April 2026 with 74, while Hokkaido has now recorded 12,649 brown bear sightings overall.
Hokkaido Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Hokkaido Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (3)
望来の山熊の目撃情報の有無
3月に入ってからだけで10件近く報告されてるのに、北海道全体では12,450件って、ずいぶん蓄積があるんだな。
Would love to visit Hokkaido one day!
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hokkaido
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido has recorded 12,649 bear incidents in total, with 74 reported in the last 30 days and 22 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 Hokkaido?
The most recent bear sighting in Hokkaido was on April 30, 2026 in Ashoro, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hokkaido?
Recent bear sightings in Hokkaido have been concentrated in Tomamae (5), Sapporo Miyanomori (5), Wakkanai 声問村 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hokkaido?
Activity has slowed. 22 incidents in the last 7 days, 74 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido 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.