Cities & Towns · Niigata
Ojiya Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Ojiya, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Ojiya's latest bear report came from 旭町 on January 16, 2026, when one black bear was spotted on the way home from school, and tracks were also found there in the snow that same morning. Another set of tracks, including cub tracks near Sanmen Dam in 大字横渡, was found on January 15, 2026, showing that bears are still moving through the snowy lowlands around homes and roads.
The most active places in this area have been 旭町 and 大字南荷頃, where people have repeatedly found tracks or seen bears close to houses and along Prefectural Route 551. Activity built through October 2025 with 55 incidents, stayed heavy in November 2025 with 31, and remained active in December 2025 with 15, while Ojiya has recorded 301 black bear sightings overall.
Ojiya Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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東小千谷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 Ojiya
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Ojiya?
Ojiya has 301 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 Ojiya?
The most recent bear sighting in Ojiya was on January 15, 2026 in Ojiya City 旭町, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Ojiya?
Recent bear sightings in Ojiya have been concentrated in Ojiya City 大字南荷頃 (18), Ojiya City 大字岩沢 (13), Ojiya City 大字浦柄 (12). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Ojiya?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Ojiya?
Ojiya 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.