Tourism Spots · Miyagi
Zaō Quasi-National Park Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Zaō Quasi-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.
Zaō Quasi National Park was jolted by a serious attack in Kaminoyama at Shobu on May 9, 2026, when a man gathering wild plants was struck from behind by a single black bear and suffered severe facial injuries. The bear was described as about 1 meter long, and this is the most urgent recent sign that bear activity in the area is still dangerous.
The busiest parts of the wider area have been Kaminoyama and nearby Yamagata City, with repeated sightings around Futukamachi, Mihara, Kurosawa, and Zao Ueno. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 97 incidents and stayed very high in November 2025 with 69, before easing through winter to 25 in December 2025, 13 in January 2026, 8 in February 2026, 10 in March 2026, and 7 in April 2026; the park has logged 799 black bear sightings overall.
Zaō Quasi-National Park Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Recent trips through Zaō Quasi-National 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 Zaō Quasi-National Park
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Zaō Quasi-National Park?
Zaō Quasi-National Park has recorded 799 bear incidents in total, with 9 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 Zaō Quasi-National Park?
The most recent bear sighting in Zaō Quasi-National Park was on April 28, 2026 in Kaminoyama 北町, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Zaō Quasi-National Park?
Recent bear sightings in Zaō Quasi-National Park have been concentrated in Zao 遠刈田温泉旭町 (9), Yamagata Namekawa (6), Katayachi, Yamagata City (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Zaō Quasi-National Park?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 9 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Zaō Quasi-National Park?
Zaō Quasi-National 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.