Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Lake Kutcharo Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Lake Kutcharo, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Lake Kutcharo saw a brown bear cross a town road in Hamatonbetsu Usotan on November 4, 2025. Just before that, on October 29, 2025, a driver in Hamatonbetsu Asaigaoka 4 chome spotted another bear peeking out from a thicket to the west before it moved away.
The busiest ground has been around Hamatonbetsu, where roads, promenades, and pasture edges keep turning up signs like footprints, scat, vocalizations, and direct sightings. Activity peaks in September 2025 with 55 incidents, then stays high in July 2025 with 43 and August 2025 with 30, and the area has recorded 335 brown bear sightings overall.
Lake Kutcharo Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Lake Kutcharo
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Lake Kutcharo?
Lake Kutcharo has 335 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 Lake Kutcharo?
The most recent bear sighting in Lake Kutcharo was on November 4, 2025 in Hamatonbetsu Usotan, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Lake Kutcharo?
Recent bear sightings in Lake Kutcharo have been concentrated in Hamatonbetsu (39), Hamatonbetsu Usotan (18), Hamatonbetsu Kanegaoka (15). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Lake Kutcharo?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Lake Kutcharo?
Lake Kutcharo 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.