Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Hiyama Esashi Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hiyama Esashi, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Hiyama Esashi saw its latest alarm on April 12, 2026, when a juvenile brown bear about 50 cm long was spotted beside a town road in Tazawacho, Esashi Town around 17:30. Municipal staff and one hunter checked the site afterward, but they did not find the bear or any fresh sign.
The most active spots have been around Esashi Town itself, along with Minamigaoka, Todogawacho, Shinchicho, and Yanagizakicho, where sightings and tracks have kept turning up. Activity peaked in August 2025 with 48 incidents, stayed high in September with 16 and October with 22, and then eased to 4 in November 2025.
Across Hiyama Esashi, the record now stands at 257 brown bear sightings. The recent pattern shows bears pressing close to roads, downtown streets, and neighborhood edges, including the bear that was culled in Esashi Town central downtown on November 5, 2025 after repeated appearances since October.
Hiyama Esashi Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (1)
11月15日まで出没してるんだ。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hiyama Esashi
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hiyama Esashi?
Hiyama Esashi has recorded 257 bear incidents in total, with 1 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 Hiyama Esashi?
The most recent bear sighting in Hiyama Esashi was on April 12, 2026 in Esashi Tazawacho, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hiyama Esashi?
Recent bear sightings in Hiyama Esashi have been concentrated in Esashi Minamihamacho (14), Esashi Todogawacho (13), Esashi Tazawacho (7). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hiyama Esashi?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Hiyama Esashi?
Hiyama 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.