Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Akan River Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Akan River, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Akan River has been seeing brown bear activity close to the ground people walk on most recently at Onnenai Visitor Center in Tsurui Village, where two bears were reported crossing the boardwalk on December 4, 2025, and another report that day described a mother bear with a cub about 20 meters east of the wooden viewing deck. On November 20, 2025, another bear was seen on the boardwalk at Onnenai, and that report said the bear chased a person but caused no damage.
The busiest places in this area have been Kushiro and Tsurui Onnenai, with repeated reports also coming from Toridori Nishi 9 chome and Kushiro 北園. Activity has been strongest in September, when the area logged 13 sightings, while June had 7 and September 2024 also had 7; the broader picture is one of steady brown bear presence across 129 total sightings in Akan River.
Akan River Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Akan River
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Akan River?
Akan River has 129 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 Akan River?
The most recent bear sighting in Akan River was on December 9, 2025 in Kushiro, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Akan River?
Recent bear sightings in Akan River have been concentrated in Kushiro 鶴丘 (14), Kushiro (10), Tsurui Onnenai (10). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Akan River?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Akan River?
Akan River is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.