Cities & Towns · Tochigi
Ashikaga Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Ashikaga, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Ashikaga’s latest bear report came on April 25, 2026 around 18:00, when a suspected black bear was sighted near Kotani Benten in Honjo 1 chome, about 100 m east of the shrine. That follows a run of sightings on April 23 and April 21, showing the bears are still moving through the city’s river edges and nearby fields.
The busiest ground has been around Orihime Park, Kawasaki machi, Oomae cho, and the Yukiwari cho river side, with recent reports also reaching Hajika Minami cho and Ega cho. Activity has been strongest in October 2025 with 16 sightings, then February 2026 with 9, March 2026 with 8, and January 2026 with 7, and Ashikaga has recorded 76 black bear sightings overall.
Ashikaga Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
Five reports just in February alone, mostly along the riverbanks in Kashima-cho and Yamakawa-cho, so something's drawing them to the water routes through the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Ashikaga
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Ashikaga?
Ashikaga has recorded 76 bear incidents in total, with 11 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 Ashikaga?
The most recent bear sighting in Ashikaga was on April 22, 2026 in Ashikaga 雪輪町, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Ashikaga?
Recent bear sightings in Ashikaga have been concentrated in Ashikaga City (8), Ashikaga 葉鹿南町 (4), Ashikaga 雪輪町 (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Ashikaga?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 11 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Ashikaga?
Ashikaga 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.