Cities & Towns · Tochigi
Otawara Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Otawara, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Otawara has seen 10 black bear sightings, including a reported sighting on January 23, 2026 in Hanazono and earlier reports on December 18, 2025 in Otawara City. The area around Hanazono and Susaki has come up in recent notes, and activity was recorded in January 2026 and December 2025.
Monthly counts show 3 sightings in January 2026 and 2 in December 2025, with additional entries in November 2025 and earlier months. The records list specific dates such as January 23, 2026 and January 4, 2022 that highlight when bears were seen in Otawara.
Otawara Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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花園でここ数日で2件も立て続けに出てるのか。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Otawara
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Otawara?
Otawara has 10 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 Otawara?
The most recent bear sighting in Otawara was on January 23, 2026 in Hanazono, Ōtawara, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Otawara?
Recent bear sightings in Otawara have been concentrated in Ohtawara 須佐木 (2), Hanazono, Ōtawara (1), Hanazono (Ōtawara) (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Otawara?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Otawara?
Otawara 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.