Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Cape Sōya Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Cape Sōya, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Cape Sōya’s latest brown bear report came on April 24, 2026 at 10:00 in Higashiura, Wakkanai City, where one brown bear was sighted. Another recent sighting was logged on April 8, 2026 near the national road in Kiyohama, Soya Village, when a resident spotted a brown bear about 1 meter long and called police.
The most active places around this area have been Wakkanai City, Soya Village, and Cape Sōya itself, and the reports have clustered most heavily in May 2025 with 4 sightings, June 2025 with 2, and September 2025 with 2. In all, Cape Sōya has recorded 49 brown bear sightings, showing that this coast and the roads leading through it remain under regular bear watch.
Cape Sōya Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Cape Sōya
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Cape Sōya?
Cape Sōya has recorded 49 bear incidents in total, with 1 reported in the last 30 days and 0 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 Cape Sōya?
The most recent bear sighting in Cape Sōya was on April 8, 2026 in Wakkanai 宗谷村, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Cape Sōya?
Recent bear sightings in Cape Sōya have been concentrated in Wakkanai 宗谷村 (41), Wakkanai 宗谷岬 (5), Wakkanai 声問村 (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Cape Sōya?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Cape Sōya?
Cape Sōya 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.