Cities & Towns · Yamagata
Shirataka Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Shirataka, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Shirataka's latest bear report came at 5:00 AM on April 30, 2026, when a single adult black bear was sighted in Miyama. A separate sighting was also reported in Arato later that morning, showing that the town is still seeing bear activity in more than one part of the area.
The heaviest activity has centered on Shirataka town itself, along with Yokota Shiri, Shobu, Ayukawa, Hirono, and Miyama, where repeated reports have kept coming in. The busiest stretch was July 2025 with 36 incidents, followed by June 2025 with 29 and October 2025 with 28, and the area has recorded 216 black bear sightings overall.
Shirataka Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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白鷹町横田尻に集中してるのが気になるな。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Shirataka
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Shirataka?
Shirataka has recorded 216 bear incidents in total, with 2 reported in the last 30 days and 2 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 Shirataka?
The most recent bear sighting in Shirataka 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 Shirataka?
Recent bear sightings in Shirataka have been concentrated in Shirataka 大字鮎貝 (20), Shirataka 大字広野 (15), Shirataka 大字畔藤 (13). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Shirataka?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 2 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Shirataka?
Shirataka 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.