Cities & Towns · Iwate
Shiwa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Shiwa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Shiwa saw a hard hit on April 24, 2026, when a black bear attacked a fire brigade member in Hizume, following another attack in the same town the day before and coming after the serious police attack and the body found near Shiwa on April 22, 2026. The cluster also includes attacks around Shiwa Chuo Eki Mae Nichome, Funakubo, Hizume, and Yamaya, showing how tense the ground has been around town.
Most of the activity has centered on Hizume and the Shiwa area broadly, with earlier reports also coming from Funakubo and Yamaya. The biggest monthly bursts in the record were November 2025 with 3 incidents and October 2025 with 3, and the area has logged 22 black bear sightings in total.
Shiwa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Iwate
Comments (1)
11月だけで城南小学校近くと日詰東浦、ラ・フランス温泉館と立て続けに出没してるんだ。
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Shiwa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Shiwa?
Shiwa has recorded 22 bear incidents in total, with 10 reported in the last 30 days and 0 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 Shiwa?
The most recent bear sighting in Shiwa was on April 23, 2026 in Shiwa 日詰, Iwate, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Shiwa?
Recent bear sightings in Shiwa have been concentrated in Shiwa 日詰 (6), Iwate Prefecture (2), Shiwa 山屋 (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Shiwa?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 10 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Shiwa?
Shiwa 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.