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Ashio Copper Mine Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Ashio Copper Mine, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Ashio Copper Mine has seen a recent sighting in Nikkō 足尾町掛水 on April 29, 2026, when 1 black bear was reported there, adding to a run of spring reports in nearby Nikkō and Kanuma. Another close call came on May 3, 2026 at around 17:50, when 1 cub crossed the national highway near the old tollbooth at the bottom of Irohazaka in Nikkō, and that was reported to emergency services.
The busiest places in this area have been Kanuma and Nikkō, with activity building hard in November 2025 at 9 incidents and October 2025 at 7, then staying active through August 2025 with 7 and June 2025 with 6. Across this area, there have been 232 black bear sightings in total, and the records show repeated spring reports in April 2026 as well as a sharp summer and autumn surge in 2024 and 2025.
Ashio Copper Mine Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Ashio Copper Mine
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Ashio Copper Mine?
Ashio Copper Mine has recorded 232 bear incidents in total, with 6 reported in the last 30 days and 3 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 Ashio Copper Mine?
The most recent bear sighting in Ashio Copper Mine was on May 3, 2026 in Kanuma 草久, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Ashio Copper Mine?
Recent bear sightings in Ashio Copper Mine have been concentrated in Nikkō (59), Nikkō 足尾町掛水 (6), Kanuma (6). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Ashio Copper Mine?
Activity is elevated. 3 of the 6 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Ashio Copper Mine?
Ashio Copper Mine 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.