Cities & Towns · Yamagata
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.
Yamagata’s latest alarm came on April 27, when the prefecture issued its first bear sighting advisory of the fiscal year after five black bear sightings in urban areas including Tsuruoka and Tendo during the week. Another recent report came from the hiking trail near Tendo Kogen Ski Resort on April 21, where a bear was seen climbing a tree.
The busiest areas have been around Yamagata City, including Zao Ueno, Zao Onsen, Namerikawa, Bobaramachi, and Miharashi no Oka, with sightings also turning up near neighborhoods and parking areas close to town. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 137 incidents, then stayed very high in November 2025 with 76 and December 2025 with 32, before easing through winter and early spring. Yamagata has logged 618 black bear sightings overall.
Yamagata Bear Incident Map
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Comments (1)
みはらしの丘に集中して出没してるのが気になるな、614件も報告されてるのは相当な数だ。
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Yamagata
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Yamagata?
Yamagata has recorded 618 bear incidents in total, with 3 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 Yamagata?
The most recent bear sighting in Yamagata was on April 27, 2026 in Yamagata Kurosawa, Yamagata, where 5 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 Yamagata Namekawa (6), Yamagata Yamadera (6), Katayachi, Yamagata City (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Yamagata?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 3 in the last 30 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.