Saitama Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Saitama, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Saitama’s most recent black bear report came from Ogano San yama in Ogano Town on April 28, 2026 at 18:30, when a young bear estimated at about 80 cm was seen near Route 299 and temple and shrine grounds. That same evening, another bear was reported in Ogano at 17:00, and a separate sighting came from Nagatoro at 14:30, showing the activity is still moving through the Chichibu area.
The busiest places in this record are Ogano, Nagatoro, Minano, Hanno, and Honjo, with reports clustering around trail corridors, riverbanks, roadsides, and the edges of towns. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 102 incidents and stayed high in November 2025 with 77, then eased through winter into March 2026 with 12; across Saitama, the total stands at 666 black bear sightings.
Saitama Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Saitama Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Places in Saitama
Comments (1)
Three separate sightings around Chichibu on the same night, plus Minano getting hit multiple times in two weeks.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Saitama
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Saitama?
Saitama has recorded 666 bear incidents in total, with 12 reported in the last 30 days and 5 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 Saitama?
The most recent bear sighting in Saitama was on April 28, 2026 in Ogano San-yama, Saitama, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Saitama?
Recent bear sightings in Saitama have been concentrated in Minano Shimotano (4), Chichibu (4), Chichibu Yamada (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Saitama?
Activity is elevated. 5 of the 12 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Saitama?
Saitama 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.