Cities & Towns · Yamagata
Tsuruoka Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Tsuruoka, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Tsuruoka’s latest black bear report came on April 27, 2026, when a single bear about 1.3 meters long was seen on a road in Temuka, Haguro-machi, around 9:00 a.m. and was reported to have moved south afterward. That is the most recent sign that bears are still moving through settled ground here.
The most active spots in Tsuruoka have been around Tozawa, Kurokawa, Haguro-machi, and areas near homes and farmland, with recent sightings around the Tozawa Community Center, in Kurokawa Nakamura, and in Mizuho. Activity was heaviest in October 2025 with 244 reports, stayed high in November 2025 with 88, and remained active into December 2025 with 49 and January 2026 with 18; since then the area has added to a long tally of 1,299 black bear sightings overall.
Tsuruoka Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Tsuruoka
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Tsuruoka?
Tsuruoka has recorded 1,299 bear incidents in total, with 1 reported in the last 30 days and 1 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 Tsuruoka?
The most recent bear sighting in Tsuruoka was on April 27, 2026 in Tsuruoka 羽黒町手向, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Tsuruoka?
Recent bear sightings in Tsuruoka have been concentrated in Tsuruoka 羽黒町玉川 (5), Tsuruoka 五十川 (5), Tsuruoka 由良二丁目 (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Tsuruoka?
Activity is elevated. 1 of the 1 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Tsuruoka?
Tsuruoka 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.