Cities & Towns · Nagano
Suwa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Suwa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Suwa saw its most alarming recent encounter on December 19, 2025 at 19:05, when a mother black bear with a cub came out of the woods near a hut and threatened people there. Earlier that same day, another bear report came in from Takashima Castle on the north side of Takashima, Suwa City, after a passerby had seen a single bear near the castle around 21:30 on December 18.
Across Suwa, Takashima, Suwa Toyoda, and Suwa Konami, the activity has been concentrated around the city edges and roadside areas, with reports also reaching the Chuo Expressway embankment near Suwa Interchange and Suwako Service Area. The busiest stretch in the record was December 2025, which saw 3 reports, and the area has logged 12 black bear sightings overall.
Suwa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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高島城北側、また同じ場所で出てるんだ。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Suwa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Suwa?
Suwa has 12 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Suwa?
The most recent bear sighting in Suwa was on December 19, 2025 in Suwa, Nagano, where 2 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Suwa?
Recent bear sightings in Suwa have been concentrated in Suwa Toyoda (3), Takashima, Suwa City (1), Takashima Castle (north side) (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Suwa?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Suwa?
Suwa 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.