Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Iwamizawa Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Iwamizawa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Iwamizawa saw its most recent close call near Nandai Park in Kasuga cho 4 chome on December 4, when a junior high school girl spotted a bear like animal about 1 meter long on a road around 2:50 PM and ran home to report it. Another sighting was also reported the same day near the City Library in Kasuga cho 4 chome, so the bear activity there is very fresh and close to the heart of town.
The busiest ground has been around Kasuga cho, Hinodai, Kurisawa Town, and Asahi Town, with activity peaking in October at 12 reports, then easing to 6 in November and 2 in December so far. Iwamizawa has logged 23 brown bear sightings in all, and the reports show the bears moving through both residential streets and outlying neighborhoods rather than staying in one place.
Iwamizawa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (1)
Twenty three incidents in Iwamizawa and three of them happened on the same day in early December.
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Iwamizawa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Iwamizawa?
Iwamizawa has 23 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 Iwamizawa?
The most recent bear sighting in Iwamizawa was on December 4, 2025 in Kasuga-cho 4-chome, Iwamizawa (near Nandai Park), Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Iwamizawa?
Recent bear sightings in Iwamizawa have been concentrated in Iwamizawa 春日町四丁目 (2), Iwamizawa City (2), Iwamizawa 栗沢町茂世丑 (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Iwamizawa?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Iwamizawa?
Iwamizawa 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.