Cities & Towns · Yamagata
Shonai Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Shonai, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Shonai's most recent black bear report came on January 11, 2026 at Karigawa, where a juvenile bear was seen around human habitation. Another sighting followed in Yoshikata on January 2, 2026 at 7:10 AM, showing that bear activity has continued into the winter months.
The busiest parts of Shonai have been around Karigawa, with more reports also coming from Kiyokawa and Tani-zawa. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 33 incidents and stayed high in July 2025 with 28, before easing later in the year; Shonai has recorded 154 black bear sightings overall.
Shonai Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Yamagata
Comments (1)
11月15日だけで狩川に4件も集中してるのか。同じ場所でこんなに頻繁に出没するのは珍しいな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Shonai
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Shonai?
Shonai has 154 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Shonai?
The most recent bear sighting in Shonai was on January 10, 2026 in Shōnai 狩川, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Shonai?
Recent bear sightings in Shonai have been concentrated in Shōnai 狩川 (29), Shōnai 清川 (14), Shōnai (11). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Shonai?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Shonai?
Shonai 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.