Question 1

How do I report a bear incident?

Accepted Answer

Click the "Report" button in the top right corner, then select a location on the map. Fill in the date, time, bear type, and any additional details. You can also attach up to 5 photos.

Question 2

Are reports anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all reports are completely anonymous. We do not collect any personal information. Only location data and incident details are made public.

Question 3

How long until my report appears on the map?

Accepted Answer

Reports are submitted directly and typically appear within a few hours due to CDN cache updates.

Question 4

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we do not have a dedicated mobile app, but our website is fully mobile-responsive and works great on smartphones and tablets.

Question 5

What does "Kumamap" mean?

Accepted Answer

"Kuma" (くま) means "bear" in Japanese, so "Kumamap" literally means "Bear Map" - a map showing bear incident locations across Japan.

Question 6

Where does your data come from?

Accepted Answer

We collect data from three sources: official government reports from prefectural environmental departments, news RSS feeds, and community reports from residents and outdoor enthusiasts.

Question 7

How often is data updated?

Accepted Answer

Official and news data is automatically updated twice daily (6 AM and 6 PM JST). Community reports appear within a few hours after submission.

Question 8

Does this include all bear incidents?

Accepted Answer

No. We only display officially reported incidents, news, and community reports. The actual number of bear encounters may be higher.

Question 9

Can I see historical data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can view past incidents on the map and news pages. The "Areas" section shows historical records for specific regions.

Question 10

What should I do if I encounter a bear?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm. Do not run or make sudden movements. Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear. Do not scream or turn your back. If the bear approaches, make yourself appear larger and speak in a loud, firm voice.

Question 11

What types of bears live in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Japan has two bear species: the Asian Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus, found in Honshu and Shikoku) and the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos, found in Hokkaido). Brown bears are larger and require extra caution.

Question 12

When are bears most active?

Accepted Answer

Bear activity peaks in spring (March-May) after hibernation and in fall (September-November) before hibernation as they search for food.

Question 13

How can I stay safe while outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise by talking or singing, avoid dawn and dusk, secure all food and trash in sealed containers, and stay alert in areas with recent incidents.

Question 14

Can I export the data?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we do not offer data export for general users. For research or media purposes, please contact us through our contact page.

Question 15

Is there an API available?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently offer a public API, but we can accommodate partnership and research requests on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out via our contact page.

Question 16

I found an error in a report

Accepted Answer

Please contact us through our contact page with details. We will review and make corrections as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using Kumamap

Data & Accuracy

Bear Safety

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