Cities & Towns · Niigata
Mitsuke Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mitsuke, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mitsuke’s most recent black bear report came on April 28, 2026 at Kannonzaka, where one bear crossed the road near the summit, came down from the mountain, and moved toward the fields. That kind of edge of town movement has also shown up around Ohira Forest Park, Motomachi 1 chome, Honmyocho, and Hosogoshi 1 chome.
The heaviest activity has clustered in July 2025 with 22 incidents, then September 2025 with 8, November 2025 with 9, and March 2026 with 2, showing that reports have stayed close to the city and its mountain fringe. Across Mitsuke, black bears have been recorded 136 times overall, with the pattern pointing most often to the wooded slopes, park edges, and roads that meet the hills.
Mitsuke Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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大平森林公園に集中してるな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mitsuke
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mitsuke?
Mitsuke has recorded 136 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 Mitsuke?
The most recent bear sighting in Mitsuke was on April 28, 2026 in Mitsuke, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mitsuke?
Recent bear sightings in Mitsuke have been concentrated in Mitsuke 椿澤町 (12), Mitsuke 杉澤町 (10), Mitsuke 牛ケ嶺町 (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mitsuke?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 2 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Mitsuke?
Mitsuke 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.