Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Esashi Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Esashi, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Esashi’s latest brown bear incident came on March 29, 2026, when one bear was captured near Shimohorobetsu, about 1 km west southwest of the Esashi Recycling Center at around 5:00 PM. That is the most recent sign of bear activity on the ground in this area.
Most of the action has been clustering around Shimohorobetsu, Okajima, Toimaki, Tokushibetsu, and Otoshibe, with repeated sightings and captures near roads, cemeteries, bridges, school grounds, and waste facilities. Activity peaked in July 2025 with 26 incidents, stayed high through August 2025 with 19 and June 2025 with 19, and Esashi has now recorded 481 brown bear sightings overall.
Esashi 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 Esashi
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Esashi?
Esashi has 481 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 Esashi?
The most recent bear sighting in Esashi was on March 28, 2026 in Esashi, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Esashi?
Recent bear sightings in Esashi have been concentrated in Esashi Misakicho (16), Esashi Toimaki (12), Esashi Otsuchube (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Esashi?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Esashi?
Esashi 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.