Yamagata Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Yamagata, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
In Yamanobe near Omi, a black bear was reported at about 6:20 a.m. on April 30, 2026, moving toward Otsuka and Yōgai. The same morning, another bear was seen in Shirataka in Miyama at about 5:00 a.m., and a separate sighting was also reported in Shirataka at Arato Ko around 9:00 a.m.
The heaviest bear activity has been concentrated in Yamagata’s mountain and edge of town areas, especially Yonezawa, Kaminoyama, Shirataka, Nanyo, and Sakata, where recent reports have kept coming in around residential streets and nearby farmland. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 1,695 incidents, stayed high in November 2025 with 779 and September 2025 with 896, and then eased through winter before rising again to 34 in April 2026. Across Yamagata, the total now stands at 8,658 black bear sightings.
Yamagata Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Yamagata Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Places in Yamagata
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舟形町の子グマが3月6日以降複数回目撃されてるのに、同じ場所で何度も出没するってことは、親グマとはぐれたのかな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Yamagata
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Yamagata?
Yamagata has recorded 8,658 bear incidents in total, with 34 reported in the last 30 days and 23 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 Yamagata?
The most recent bear sighting in Yamagata was on April 30, 2026 in Shirataka 大字荒砥甲, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Yamagata?
Recent bear sightings in Yamagata have been concentrated in Sakata 成興野 (3), Funagata (3), Yamanobe 近江 (2). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Yamagata?
Activity is elevated. 23 of the 34 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Yamagata?
Yamagata 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.