Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Matsumae Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Matsumae, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Matsumae had a fresh brown bear report on January 10, 2026, when a driver on a national road in Shirasaka saw one bear crossing the road around 11:10 a.m. and called the police. Another sighting from the same day came from the Matsumae Shirasaka area, keeping attention focused on the town’s eastern side.
Most of the activity has been centered in Shirasaka, Tatehama, Era, Futagoe, and the Toyooka and Kamikawa districts, with reports also turning up in Shinmei. The busiest stretch came in September 2025 with 31 incidents, followed by October 2025 with 22, while reports stayed present through November 2025 and into December 2025 and January 2026; Matsumae has recorded 427 brown bear sightings overall.
Matsumae Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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江良地区だけで11月中に3回も報告されてるのか、同じ個体がずっと居ついてるのかな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Matsumae
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Matsumae?
Matsumae has 427 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 Matsumae?
The most recent bear sighting in Matsumae was on January 10, 2026 in Shirasaka, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Matsumae?
Recent bear sightings in Matsumae have been concentrated in Matsumae Kamiyama (11), Matsumae Futagoe (10), Matsumae Era (10). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Matsumae?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Matsumae?
Matsumae 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.