Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Wakkanai Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Wakkanai, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Wakkanai's latest brown bear report came on April 30, 2026, when one bear was sighted at Kamigoetomon in Kozetomon village at 13:35. Just before that, another bear was reported in Magaribuchi in Koetomura on April 29, 2026 at 10:10, showing that reports are still coming in around the Koetomon area.
The busiest parts of the city keep centering on Koetomon village and Soya village, with recent reports also coming from Higashiura, Kiyohama, and Onetomanai. Activity was strongest in September 2024 with 9 incidents, and it stayed high through August 2024 with 6 and both May 2025 and June 2025 with 5 each. Wakkanai has logged 164 brown bear sightings overall, so this is a persistent presence across the area rather than a one off event.
Wakkanai Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
稚内市で156件とは、相当な頻度だな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Wakkanai
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Wakkanai?
Wakkanai has recorded 164 bear incidents in total, with 7 reported in the last 30 days and 3 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 Wakkanai?
The most recent bear sighting in Wakkanai was on April 29, 2026 in Wakkanai 声問村, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Wakkanai?
Recent bear sightings in Wakkanai have been concentrated in Wakkanai 宗谷村 (31), Wakkanai 声問村 (29), Wakkanai 抜海村 (23). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Wakkanai?
Activity is elevated. 3 of the 7 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Wakkanai?
Wakkanai 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.