Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Otaru Canal Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Otaru Canal, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Otaru Canal has been watching a very fresh bear move through Asarigawa Onsen 2 chome in Otaru on February 18, 2026 around 17:40, when a hotel employee spotted and filmed a juvenile brown bear about 50 to 60 cm long walking on a municipal road. That is the newest sign of activity in this area, and it follows a season of repeated bear reports around town.
The busiest ground has been around Katsuraoka and nearby neighborhoods in Otaru, where school grounds, residential edges, and snow covered roads have all turned up bear sightings or tracks. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 24 reports and stayed high in November 2025 with 18, while winter still brought 2 reports in December 2025 and 2 more in February 2026; across this area, there have been 69 brown bear sightings in total.
Otaru Canal Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Otaru Canal
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Otaru Canal?
Otaru Canal has 69 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 Otaru Canal?
The most recent bear sighting in Otaru Canal was on February 18, 2026 in Asarigawa Onsen 2-chome, Otaru, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Otaru Canal?
Recent bear sightings in Otaru Canal have been concentrated in Otaru Katsuraokacho (12), Katsuraoka Elementary School, Otaru (3), Katsuraoka, Otaru City (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Otaru Canal?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Otaru Canal?
Otaru Canal 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.