Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Hakodate Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hakodate, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Hakodate's most recent sign of a brown bear came on April 1, 2026, when traces believed to be from one bear were found in Tsurunocho, Hakodate City. Earlier in the winter, a parent and cub were reported crossing directly in front of the student entrance at Zenkamezawa Junior High School on March 3, 2026, after similar parent and cub sightings there on February 10 and February 9.
The strongest activity has centered on school grounds and nearby neighborhoods in Hakodate, especially around Zenkamezawa Junior High School, Senkamezawa Junior High School, and Suzurankamachi. The pace built sharply in October 2025 and September 2025, with 27 incidents in each month, while February 2026 also stayed busy with 12 reports; across all of this, Hakodate has logged 375 brown bear sightings in total.
Hakodate Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (1)
Same school three times in four days.
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hakodate
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hakodate?
Hakodate has recorded 375 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 Hakodate?
The most recent bear sighting in Hakodate was on April 1, 2026 in Hakodate Tsurunocho, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hakodate?
Recent bear sightings in Hakodate have been concentrated in Hakodate Kamayacho (9), Hakodate Shin-Esancho (8), Hakodate Ishizakicho (6). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hakodate?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Hakodate?
Hakodate 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.