Cities & Towns · Iwate
Morioka Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Morioka, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Morioka’s most recent sharp encounter came on April 27, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. in Yamagishi, where one bear was sighted in Matsukidaira, Kamiyonai, and the city issued a caution notice. On the same day, a bear was also seen near the Route 4 Nakano intersection in Shimoyonai moving toward Nakano Elementary School, while another was reported near a hot spring facility in Otobe at 7:00 p.m.
The heaviest activity has been around Otobe, Shimoyonai, Tsunagi, and Yamagishi, with bears turning up on riverbeds, roads, farm edges, and near facilities. The pace has been strongest in November with 531 reports and October with 392, after which the numbers fell to December with 49, rose again to January with 38 and February with 9, then reached 55 in March and 38 in April. Morioka has logged 1,450 black bear sightings overall.
Morioka Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Iwate
Comments (1)
3月8日の岩神山での事件といい、最近は山の登山コース付近にまで出てくるようになったんだな。
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Morioka
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Morioka?
Morioka has recorded 1,450 bear incidents in total, with 39 reported in the last 30 days and 6 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 Morioka?
The most recent bear sighting in Morioka was on April 27, 2026 in Morioka Otobe, Iwate, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Morioka?
Recent bear sightings in Morioka have been concentrated in Morioka Mitsuwari 2-chome (13), Morioka Yamagishi 2-chome (8), Morioka Ueda 2-chome (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Morioka?
Activity has slowed. 6 incidents in the last 7 days, 39 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Morioka?
Morioka is home to Asian black bears, which weigh up to 120kg and inhabit the mountains of Honshu and Shikoku. They are generally shy but can be dangerous when surprised or protecting cubs. Carry bear bells while hiking.