Cities & Towns · Niigata
Itoigawa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Itoigawa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Itoigawa's most recent black bear report came on April 28, 2026 at 17:30, when one bear was seen moving toward the river. Just days earlier, on April 24, a bear about 1 meter long was spotted in Sotoba, Itoigawa City, very close to a residence, and another sighting was reported the same day in Itoigawa.
The busiest stretches have centered on Itoigawa, especially Sotoba, Osawa, Dokura, Kamiogari, and Kamihayakawa, with other signs also turning up in Horigiri and Kamikazuraki. Activity was heaviest in November 2025 with 87 reports, followed by October 2025 with 55, then December 2025 with 36, while winter reports continued into January 2026 and February 2026. Across Itoigawa, the area has recorded 647 black bear sightings overall.
Itoigawa Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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12月中旬から1月にかけて上刈地区に集中してるのが気になるな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Itoigawa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Itoigawa?
Itoigawa has recorded 647 bear incidents in total, with 6 reported in the last 30 days and 3 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 Itoigawa?
The most recent bear sighting in Itoigawa was on April 24, 2026 in Itoigawa 大字外波, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Itoigawa?
Recent bear sightings in Itoigawa have been concentrated in Itoigawa 大字寺地 (14), Itoigawa 大字根小屋 (8), Itoigawa 上刈一丁目 (7). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Itoigawa?
Activity is elevated. 3 of the 6 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Itoigawa?
Itoigawa 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.