Cities & Towns · Tochigi
Utsunomiya Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Utsunomiya, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Utsunomiya saw its latest black bear report on March 8, 2026, when a bear was sighted on a mountain trail in Utsunomiya City. The most recent reports before that clustered in late 2025, including a road sighting in Tochigi Prefecture on December 8 and multiple notices in Utsunomiya on November 29.
Most of the activity has centered on Utsunomiya itself, with reports from Iida cho, Shinzato cho, Shinoi cho, Ritsubuchi cho, and Shimoarabuchi cho. The pace has been uneven, but November 2025 was the busiest month with 3 reports, and October 2023 matched that same level, while the area has recorded 16 black bear sightings overall.
Utsunomiya Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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11月29日だけで2件も報告されてるし、登山道や市道、住宅地と色々な場所に出てるな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Utsunomiya
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Utsunomiya?
Utsunomiya has 16 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 Utsunomiya?
The most recent bear sighting in Utsunomiya was on March 7, 2026 in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Utsunomiya?
Recent bear sightings in Utsunomiya have been concentrated in Utsunomiya City (1), Road in Tochigi Prefecture (1), Iida-cho, Utsunomiya (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Utsunomiya?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Utsunomiya?
Utsunomiya 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.