Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Matsumae Castle Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Matsumae Castle, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Matsumae Castle area has been seeing brown bear activity close to people, and the latest report came from Fukushima Town on April 22, 2026, when a cub about 70 cm long was spotted near houses and seen crossing a national road on dashcam. Another cub was also reported in Fukushima Town on April 21, 2026, around 20:00, crossing National Route 228 near the Shirafu area.
The busiest stretch has been around Fukushima Town and Matsumae, with the sharpest rise in September 2025 and October 2025, when activity reached 37 incidents and 29 incidents respectively, after 31 in July 2025. The area has now recorded 466 brown bear sightings overall, with recent reports still coming in from Matsumae Tatehama, Matsumae Shinmei, Matsumae Futagoe, and Matsumae itself.
Matsumae Castle Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Matsumae Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Matsumae Castle?
Matsumae Castle has recorded 466 bear incidents in total, with 2 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 Matsumae Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Matsumae Castle was on April 21, 2026 in Fukushima, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Matsumae Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Matsumae Castle have been concentrated in Fukushima (14), Matsumae Futagoe (9), Fukushima Mitake (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Matsumae Castle?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 2 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Matsumae Castle?
Matsumae Castle 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.