Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Shiretoko National Park Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Shiretoko National Park, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Shiretoko National Park saw its most recent brown bear report on April 29, 2026, when 2 bears were seen on the road to Iwaobetsu Onsen in Shari; one was on the right side heading out of the onsen, and the other was on the river bank. Another sighting came on March 25, 2026 near the Horobetsu River in Utoro, where one bear was filmed on a snowy mountainside during a kayak tour.
Most of the recent activity has centered on Shari and the Mount Rausu area, including the Iwaobetsu River and the Iwaobetsu Trail. The busiest month in the record was August 2025 with 8 incidents, while March 2026, September 2025, July 2025, January 2025, and July 2019 each had 1 incident, and the park has logged 14 brown bear sightings overall.
Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Shiretoko National Park?
Shiretoko National Park has recorded 14 bear incidents in total, with 1 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 Shiretoko National Park?
The most recent bear sighting in Shiretoko National Park was on April 29, 2026 in Shari, Hokkaido, where 2 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Shiretoko National Park?
Recent bear sightings in Shiretoko National Park have been concentrated in Mount Rausu (5), Shari (1), Shiretoko, Utoro, Shari Town — mountain slope (filmed from a kayak tour at sea; near the Horobetsu River) (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Shiretoko National Park?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Shiretoko National Park?
Shiretoko National Park 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.