Nagano Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Nagano, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Nagano saw its most immediate recent alarm on April 30 at around 14:30, when a restaurant owner near the Misayama signal intersection in Hara reported a black bear of about 1 meter inside a garage. The same day brought more sightings in Hakuba and Iizuna Hiraide, and on April 29 two reports came from Matsushiromachi Higashiterao in Nagano City, where a bear about 1.5 meters long was seen on a road in the early hours.
The heaviest pressure has been around Nagano City and the mountain towns that border it, with repeated reports also coming from Hakuba, Iiyama, Karuizawa, and Otaki. Activity surged in October 2025 with 518 incidents, stayed very high in November 2025 with 371, and remained elevated in December 2025 with 134, while Nagano has recorded 3,477 black bear sightings overall.
Nagano Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
Nagano Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Places in Nagano
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わホー
冬なのに出没が止まらないのか。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Nagano
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Nagano?
Nagano has recorded 3,477 bear incidents in total, with 72 reported in the last 30 days and 15 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 Nagano?
The most recent bear sighting in Nagano was on April 30, 2026 in Hara, Nagano, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Nagano?
Recent bear sightings in Nagano have been concentrated in Otaki (5), Hakuba (4), Ōmachi (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Nagano?
Activity has slowed. 15 incidents in the last 7 days, 72 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Nagano?
Nagano 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.
