Cities & Towns · Yamagata
Yonezawa Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Yonezawa, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Yonezawa has just seen two black bears in Osawa at around 08:45 on April 29, 2026, and another report there the same morning at around 08:00 said the pair may have been an adult and a juvenile. The city is urging caution, and a single bear was also sighted in Tateishi on April 27, 2026, showing that the most recent activity is still centered in the city's mountain side communities.
The busiest stretches have been in Yonezawa Osawa, Torimachi 2 chome, Hosenmachi, and nearby residential and farmland edges, with activity peaking in October 2025 at 130 sightings and staying high in August 2025 with 124 and July 2025 with 108. Across Yonezawa, black bears have been reported 1,006 times in total, and the recent winter to spring reports show the animals are still moving through the area beyond the peak season.
Yonezawa Bear Incident Map
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Three incidents in just the first two weeks of January across Torimachi and Hosenmachi.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Yonezawa
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Yonezawa?
Yonezawa has recorded 1,006 bear incidents in total, with 3 reported in the last 30 days and 3 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 Yonezawa?
The most recent bear sighting in Yonezawa was on January 17, 2026 in Yonezawa Torimachi 2-chome, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Yonezawa?
Recent bear sightings in Yonezawa have been concentrated in Yonezawa Kiwada (7), Yonezawa Hosenmachi (6), Yonezawa Kuchitazawa (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Yonezawa?
Activity is elevated. 3 of the 3 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Yonezawa?
Yonezawa 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.