Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Jōzankei Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Jōzankei, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Jōzankei has been hearing fresh signs of brown bear activity nearby, with the most recent incident coming on May 7, 2026 in Sapporo Nishino, where a cub like bear was seen around 17:30 at Miyagaoka Park and city staff found no traces afterward. Another report on May 6, 2026 in Sapporo Teine Honcho described a roar or bear like sound from beyond the bushes, and two sightings on May 5, 2026 in Sapporo Teine Tomioka placed a bear like animal near the main gate of Teine Junior High School.
The heaviest activity has been in the Sapporo area around Nishi Ward and Teine Ward, with reports also coming from Miyanomori, Makomanai, and Yamanote. The pace was at its highest in October 2025 with 180 incidents and November 2025 with 89, then eased through winter before rising again in March 2026 with 14 and April 2026 with 12. Across this record, the area has logged 1,659 brown bear sightings overall.
Jōzankei Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Jōzankei
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Jōzankei?
Jōzankei has recorded 1,659 bear incidents in total, with 17 reported in the last 30 days and 5 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 Jōzankei?
The most recent bear sighting in Jōzankei was on May 7, 2026 in Sapporo Nishino, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Jōzankei?
Recent bear sightings in Jōzankei have been concentrated in Sapporo Jozankei (7), Sapporo Makomanai (6), Sapporo Miyanomori (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Jōzankei?
Activity has slowed. 5 incidents in the last 7 days, 17 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Jōzankei?
Jōzankei 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.