Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Nishi Ward, Sapporo Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Nishi Ward, Sapporo, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Nishi Ward, Sapporo saw its most serious recent bear event on January 7, 2026, when a man was attacked by a brown bear in a park in the ward. Another sharp reminder came on April 24, 2026, on Mount Sankakuyama in Sapporo Yamanote, where bear spray accidentally got into the eyes of three teenagers during a hike.
The busiest ground has been around Nishi Ward, especially the Yamanote area, Nishino, and the Mount Sankakuyama trail corridor, with reports clustering near neighborhoods and the hill trails that edge them. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 55 incidents, stayed high in September 2025 with 15, and then continued through November 2025 with 9; across the area, there have been 204 brown bear sightings overall.
Nishi Ward, Sapporo Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Nishi Ward, Sapporo
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Nishi Ward, Sapporo?
Nishi Ward, Sapporo has recorded 204 bear incidents in total, with 3 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 Nishi Ward, Sapporo?
The most recent bear sighting in Nishi Ward, 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 Nishi Ward, Sapporo?
Recent bear sightings in Nishi Ward, Sapporo have been concentrated in Sapporo Yamanote (21), Sapporo Nishino (17), Sapporo Kobetsusawa (13). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Nishi Ward, Sapporo?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 3 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Nishi Ward, Sapporo?
Nishi Ward, 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.