Cities & Towns · Niigata
Gosen Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Gosen, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Gosen’s most recent close call came on April 29, 2026, in 暮坪, where a 1 m black bear was spotted while farm work was underway in a rice field about 200 m from a house. Earlier in April, another bear was seen in 熊沢 in a rice field about 120 m from a house, so the edge of the fields near homes is where the tension is showing up most clearly.
The busiest ground is around 高山, 粟島, and 不動堂, with bears turning up near farm sheds, vacant houses, road embankments, and even on private premises. The pace of reports climbed hard in October 2025 and November 2025, then eased through December 2025 and into January 2026, and Gosen has recorded 615 black bear sightings overall.
Gosen Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Niigata
Comments (1)
1月末までクマが出てるんだ。
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Gosen
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Gosen?
Gosen has recorded 615 bear incidents in total, with 2 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 Gosen?
The most recent bear sighting in Gosen was on April 29, 2026 in Gosen 暮坪, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Gosen?
Recent bear sightings in Gosen have been concentrated in Gosen 小栗山 (10), Gosen 川内 (10), Gosen 小搦 (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Gosen?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 2 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Gosen?
Gosen 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.