Tourism Spots · Gunma
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park saw a close call in Annaka on May 12, 2026, when a cub about 1 meter long was spotted and immediately slipped off to the left and out of view. That is the kind of sudden, brief encounter that has been showing up around the park's wider area.
Around here, the most active places have been Takasaki, Annaka, Karuizawa, and Shimonita, with reports turning up in spring and again into summer. The monthly rhythm has been busiest in July 2025 with 38 incidents and June 2025 with 37, while October 2025 still brought 30 and November 2025 brought 17.
Across this area, black bears have been logged 377 times in all, so this is not an isolated pattern. Recent reports in May 2026 show the sightings are still coming in, including road crossings, roadside appearances, and a few encounters where people heard bears before they ever saw them.
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Recent trips through Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park
Nearby Areas
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park?
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park has recorded 377 bear incidents in total, with 16 reported in the last 30 days and 10 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 Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park?
The most recent bear sighting in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park was on May 12, 2026 in Annaka, Gunma, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park?
Recent bear sightings in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park have been concentrated in Karuizawa 大字発地 (16), Karuizawa (12), Karuizawa 大字長倉 (12). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park?
Activity is elevated. 10 of the 16 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park?
Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park 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.