Tourism Spots · Miyagi
Ōshima Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Ōshima, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Ōshima has been watching bears closely, and the most recent report came on February 26, 2026 at Kesennuma 本吉町高瀬ヶ森, where 1 black bear was seen at 5:30 p.m. Another fresh sighting came from Minami-Sanriku Utatsu on February 17, 2026, which shows the activity is still moving through the hills and settlement edges in this area.
The busiest ground has been around Kesennuma and Minami-Sanriku, especially Utatsu, 本吉町, and the 唐桑町 side, where reports keep turning up in different hamlets and valleys. Activity peaked in December 2025 and November 2025 with 23 incidents each, then stayed high in January 2026 with 18 more, and Ōshima has recorded 119 black bear sightings overall.
Ōshima 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 Ōshima
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Ōshima?
Ōshima has 119 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 Ōshima?
The most recent bear sighting in Ōshima was on February 26, 2026 in Kesennuma 本吉町高瀬ヶ森, Miyagi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Ōshima?
Recent bear sightings in Ōshima have been concentrated in Minami-Sanriku (13), Minami-Sanriku Utatsu (4), Kesennuma 茗荷沢 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Ōshima?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Ōshima?
Ōshima 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.