Major Cities · Hokkaido
Sapporo Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Sapporo, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Sapporo’s most recent alarm came on April 24, 2026 on Mount Sankakuyama in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward, where a bear deterrent spray was accidentally discharged and three teenagers were hit in the eyes and temporarily incapacitated. That same day, other bear reports also came from Makomanai in Minami Ward, showing that the city’s edge neighborhoods and nearby hills are still seeing fresh bear activity.
The busiest ground is around Miyanomori, Mount Moiwa, Makomanai, and the Yamanote area, where sightings have been clustering close to homes, forests, and trail access points. Activity surged in October 2025 with 198 incidents and stayed high in November 2025 with 90, before easing through winter; even so, Sapporo has recorded 1,749 brown bear sightings overall.
Sapporo Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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3月でもまだ出てるんだ。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Sapporo
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Sapporo?
Sapporo has recorded 1,749 bear incidents in total, with 13 reported in the last 30 days and 1 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 Sapporo?
The most recent bear sighting in Sapporo was on April 23, 2026 in Sapporo 山の手4条11, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Sapporo?
Recent bear sightings in Sapporo have been concentrated in Sapporo Jozankei (8), Sapporo Makomanai (6), Sapporo Miyanomori (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Sapporo?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 13 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Sapporo?
Sapporo 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.