Cities & Towns · Nagano
Matsumoto Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Matsumoto, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Matsumoto most recently saw a female black bear with a cub on April 27, 2026 at 15:39, a close family group moving through the area. Earlier in January 2026, Matsumoto Wada also had a sighting of a cub, which shows young bears are still turning up in the city.
The busiest stretches have been around Sasaga, Hata, and central Matsumoto, with many reports coming from residential edges and roads near the Azusagawa River and Shinshu Matsumoto Airport. Activity was heaviest in June 2025 with 23 incidents, and it stayed high in July 2025 and November 2025 with 15 each, before easing to 9 in December 2025 and 1 in January 2026. Across Matsumoto, there have been 136 black bear sightings overall.
Matsumoto Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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松本市笹賀で12月7日から9日にかけて連続で目撃されてるのが気になるな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Matsumoto
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Matsumoto?
Matsumoto has recorded 136 bear incidents in total, with 1 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 Matsumoto?
The most recent bear sighting in Matsumoto was on January 15, 2026 in Matsumoto Wada, Nagano, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Matsumoto?
Recent bear sightings in Matsumoto have been concentrated in Matsumoto Nagawa (9), Takayama (7), Matsumoto Azusagawa-Ueno (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Matsumoto?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 1 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Matsumoto?
Matsumoto 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.