Hokkaido Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hokkaido, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Hokkaido's most recent serious incident came in Sapporo Nishimachi-kita 8-chome in Sapporo on May 17, 2026 at 07:00, when a man was attacked by a brown bear and nearby schools stayed on alert afterward. The same morning in Shibetsu, a 78 year old man picking wild plants near the left bank of the Teshio River met one brown bear, showing how close these encounters are coming to people on the ground.
The heaviest activity is still centered around Sapporo, with more reports also coming from Wakkanai, Niikappu, Noboribetsu, and Tomakomai, where bears have been seen near roads and the edges of town. The larger rhythm is clear too: activity peaked in October 2025 with 909 incidents and stayed high through September with 694, August with 605, and July with 648, while Hokkaido has logged 12,727 brown bear sightings overall.
Hokkaido Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Hokkaido Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Recent trips through Hokkaido
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (3)
望来の山熊の目撃情報の有無
3月に入ってからだけで10件近く報告されてるのに、北海道全体では12,450件って、ずいぶん蓄積があるんだな。
Would love to visit Hokkaido one day!
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hokkaido
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido has recorded 12,727 bear incidents in total, with 118 reported in the last 30 days and 29 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 Hokkaido?
The most recent bear sighting in Hokkaido was on May 17, 2026 in Kiyosato Kiyoizumi, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hokkaido?
Recent bear sightings in Hokkaido have been concentrated in Sapporo Hitsujigaoka (11), Wakkanai 声問村 (7), Tomamae (6). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hokkaido?
Activity has slowed. 29 incidents in the last 7 days, 118 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.