Tourism Spots · Tochigi
Watarase Bridge Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Watarase Bridge, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Watarase Bridge has been seeing black bears close to settled ground, and the most recent sharp report came on May 7, 2026, when one bear was sighted in a mountain forest in Sano, Takasagodai Town. Just before that, on May 4, 2026 at 04:00, another bear was seen in a forest about 100 m south of the Sano Police Station Kanma substation in Sano, Umezono Town.
The activity is centered most strongly around Sano and Ashikaga, with repeated reports from places such as Sano, Tomuro Town, Sano, Kanma Town, and Ashikaga, Yukiwa Town. The busiest stretch came in November 2025 with 47 incidents, while October 2025 had 24 and April 2026 had 22, and the area has logged 210 black bear sightings overall.
Watarase Bridge Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Watarase Bridge
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Watarase Bridge?
Watarase Bridge has recorded 210 bear incidents in total, with 21 reported in the last 30 days and 3 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 Watarase Bridge?
The most recent bear sighting in Watarase Bridge was on May 6, 2026 in Sano 高砂町, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Watarase Bridge?
Recent bear sightings in Watarase Bridge have been concentrated in Sano City (7), Ashikaga City (7), Sano 高砂町 (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Watarase Bridge?
Activity has slowed. 3 incidents in the last 7 days, 21 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Watarase Bridge?
Watarase Bridge 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.