Cities & Towns · Yamagata
Kawanishi Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Kawanishi, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Kawanishi saw its latest black bear report in Horikane on April 21, 2026 at about 15:55, when one bear was sighted and the town warned people to be cautious while passing through the area. Another recent warning came from Matsuo Shrine in the Tamaniwa area on March 6, 2026 at around 13:50, where officials said a bear may still have been nearby.
The heaviest activity has been around Kawanishi itself, especially in places such as Nishi Otsuka, Shimo Komatsu, Shimo Okuda, Tokida, and Tamaniwa, with shrine areas and spots near human habitation showing up again and again. The pressure built hard in October 2025, when 90 incidents were recorded, then eased to 33 in November 2025 and 3 in December 2025, while the area has logged 231 black bear sightings overall.
Kawanishi Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
Three sightings in one day around Kamikomatsu and the Dahlia Garden area on November 18th is a lot for a single location.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Kawanishi
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Kawanishi?
Kawanishi has recorded 231 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 Kawanishi?
The most recent bear sighting in Kawanishi was on April 21, 2026 in Kawanishi 大字堀金, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Kawanishi?
Recent bear sightings in Kawanishi have been concentrated in Kawanishi 大字上小松 (15), Kawanishi 大字下奥田 (14), Kawanishi 大字朴沢 (11). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Kawanishi?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Kawanishi?
Kawanishi 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.