Aomori to Fukushima Hiking Route

One adult bear (suspected) sighted

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

A bear was sighted in Iwakiri-Higashikawara, Miyagino Ward, Sendai City.

Sendai Iwakiri, Miyagi

At around 18:10 on May 20, a bear about 1 m long was sighted on the riverbank near Iwakiri Ohashi on the Nanakita River in Iwakiri, Miyagino Ward, Sendai; within about 20 minutes there were three reports extending to the Imaichi Bridge area. After hunters set off firecrackers after 20:00, the bear emerged from a thicket and moved westward; no further sightings or damages have been confirmed.

Sendai Iwakiri, Miyagi

Witnessed on the way back from fishing

Fukushima Kuroiwa, Fukushima

Near the brush above the forest park, it was crossing the gravel path.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

A bear is climbing up and down a chestnut tree.

Morioka, Iwate

Early on the morning of May 20, 2026, one bear was sighted on the riverbed in Iwakiri, Miyagino Ward, Sendai. A nearby elementary school conducted group dismissal and police are on alert.

Sendai Iwakiri, Miyagi

At around 08:45 on May 20, a passerby sighted one bear south of Yahata Elementary School in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki. The bear crossed Prefectural Route 265 from west to east and left the area; no damage was reported, and the police are patrolling the scene and urging residents to be cautious.

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Hachiman, Iwate

On May 20, 2026 at around 05:50, a woman walking in Taihaku Forest Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai, reported seeing a bear walking south to north. There were no injuries; Sendai North Police said a single bear about 1 meter long was seen near the rock garden by the HOKUSHU Science Museum. Officers patrolled but could not confirm it. A bear had also been sighted about 1.5 km south on the 14th, and police cannot tell if it is the same individual.

Sendai Kitane-Kuromatsu, Miyagi

At around 05:50 on the 20th, a woman walking in Taihara Forest Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai, sighted a bear walking northward and called emergency services. There were no injuries; the Sendai North Police reported it was a single bear.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

At around 05:50 on the 20th, one adult bear was sighted walking from south to north near the science museum in Taihaku Forest Park, Aoba Ward, Sendai City.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

At around 05:45 on May 20, 2026, an adult bear was sighted near Enkoji temple in Sannocho, Morioka City, and a passerby called emergency services. According to local residents the bear moved from a parking lot near the temple toward Shiekamachi; sightings have continued in the area, prompting notifications to a school and the postponement of a planned road race.

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

At around 05:35 on May 20, 2026, a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted in Taihaku Forest Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai. The city closed eight main park access points, installed two cameras near the eastern large pond, and prohibited passage in almost the entire park for the time being.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

At around 05:35 on May 20, a person walking in Taihara Forest Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, reported seeing a single bear about 1 meter long walking south to north near the rock garden. The police are patrolling the area with patrol cars and urging caution about entering the park.

Sendai Kitane-Kuromatsu, Miyagi

At around 05:30 on the 20th, a woman walking near the rock garden (Iwasakuen) in Taihara Forest Park, Aoba Ward, Sendai, spotted one bear about 1 meter long and reported it to the police. The bear left northward and there have been no further sightings; police are patrolling the area and warning residents.

Sendai Kitane-Kuromatsu, Miyagi

At around 05:30 on May 20, 2026, a woman walking in Taihara Forest Park in Aoba-ku, Sendai, spotted a bear about 1 meter in length and reported it to the police. According to the police, the bear walked away to the north.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

A bear was sighted in Matsuzonocho, Hanamaki City, Iwate, on May 20 in the late afternoon.

Hanamaki Tenkada, Iwate

On May 20, 2026, Sendai City reported a bear sighting in Taihara Forest Park in Aoba Ward and has temporarily banned passage on most of the park, including paths without street lighting.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

I found large bear footprints.

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

A bear sighting of two (a parent and one offspring) was reported near Fukamochi Umeyama, Towada City, at about 10:50 AM on May 18, 2026.

Towada, Aomori

Empty honey boxes and frames were disturbed; the place where frames are stored was ransacked.

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

A single cub was sighted near Fukamochi Umeyama in Towada City at around 20:30 on May 17, 2026.

Towada, Aomori

One bear sighted near the garage of a private residence

Morioka, Iwate

On May 17, in Sendai City a newspaper delivery worker spotted one bear early in the morning. The article does not provide further details such as injuries or whether the bear was captured or removed.

Sendai Futsukamachi, Miyagi

Around 08:00 on May 17, a single bear was seen walking in an irrigation canal near Ota 6-chome, Morioka City. No damage from the bear has been confirmed, and the Morioka East Police Station has urged nearby residents to be cautious.

Morioka Shimoota-Sawada, Iwate

At around 03:30 on May 17, 2026, one bear was sighted near Tegake no Matsu green space at 2-19 Takamatsu, Morioka, Iwate. No human or property damage was reported.

Morioka, Iwate

At around 22:10 on the 16th, a caller driving in Higashimimae 4-chiwari 10-banchi area, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, spotted a bear under 1 meter long walking east along the road. The bear was reported to be about 50 meters ahead when observed.

Morioka Higashimirumae, Iwate

One bear was sighted on the opposite side across the Nedagawa (Nedagawa River).

Morioka Higashimirumae, Iwate

At around 06:10 on May 16, 2026, a man walking in Omori Nishiomote, Fukushima City, spotted a single bear about 1.5 meters long. The bear returned to the mountains afterward, and no injuries have been reported.

Fukushima Omori, Fukushima

Around 20:25 on May 15, an adult bear was sighted on a city road north of Kitakami General Sports Park in Takamaedanchi, Awasaracho, Kitakami City; the bear crossed the road from north to south and ran toward the park. No damage from the bear was reported, and police have urged nearby residents to be cautious.

Kitakami Aisaricho, Iwate

Around 17:30 on May 15, 2026, one bear was sighted on the grounds of Hanamaki Airport in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, and the runway was temporarily closed. At least four flights were affected, but no injuries or property damage were reported, and the bear later left the airport grounds.

Hanamaki Kuzu, Iwate

According to police, around 15:00 on May 15, 2026, one adult bear was sighted in the grassland north of the Hanamaki City Exchange Hall in Katsura Daisan Chiwari, Hanamaki City. Police notified the city office and nearby schools.

Hanamaki Higashimiyanome, Iwate

Shortly after 11:00 AM on May 15, 2026, one bear was sighted northeast of Ōno Elementary School in Aoba 1-chome, Aomori City.

Aomori Ono, Aomori

Around 00:00 on May 15, a man driving on a city road in Masue, Miyagino Ward, Sendai, reported seeing a black mass that turned out to be a bear. The bear was a single animal about 1.5 m long, left toward the forest to the east, and there were no injuries; it may be the same individual seen the previous afternoon at Tohoku High School Komatsushima campus, and the city set box traps but had not captured it.

Sendai Masue, Miyagi

One bear sighted in an apple orchard.

Morioka Senbokucho, Iwate

Around 00:00 on May 15, 2026, a man driving in Masue, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, called 110 after approaching a dark mass and discovering it was a bear. According to the Sendai East Police, a single bear about 1.5 meters long left toward woods to the north and east; there were no injuries.

Sendai Masue, Miyagi

Around 23:55 on May 14, an adult bear was sighted on a road east of Motomiya Children's Park in Motomiya 2-chome, Morioka. Police patrolled the area by patrol car and spotted the bear near the west side of Motomiya Elementary School, but it entered a residential area and its whereabouts became unknown; no damage has been reported.

Morioka Senbokucho, Iwate

Observed one bear crossing the road.

Morioka, Iwate

Around 13:00 on May 14, 2026, a student spotted a bear about 50 meters away in the grove on the grounds of Tohoku High School in Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai. The school ordered a mass dismissal, and police warned that bears had also appeared in the area on May 11.

Sendai Dainohara-shinrinkoen, Miyagi

Around 13:00 on the 14th, a staff member at Tohoku High School in Komatsushima 4-chome, Aoba Ward, Sendai, reported a bear in a grove on the school grounds to emergency services. The city and Sendai North Police are responding, believing the bear remains in the grove, and have urged caution at nearby schools and the university.

Sendai Komatsu-Shintsutsumi, Miyagi

While gathering bracken, I saw the rear of a bear cub a few dozen meters ahead. Startled, I called out and it disappeared into the underbrush.

Morioka Kitamatsuzono 2-chome, Iwate

On the morning of May 14, 2026, one adult bear was sighted on the campus of Iwate University in Morioka, near the gymnasium. The university canceled all classes for the day and urged people to remain inside buildings.

Morioka, Iwate

On the morning of May 14, 2026, an apparently adult bear was sighted on the grounds of Iwate University in Morioka. The university urged people to stay inside buildings and canceled all classes for the day.

Morioka, Iwate

At around 07:40 on May 14, an adult bear was sighted on the campus of Iwate University near the dormitory in Ueda, Morioka City, and remained on campus as of 18:00. The city used drones to locate the bear and decided on an emergency shooting after 14:30, but canceled it when the bear hid in the thicket; no damage has been reported and traps were set with nighttime patrols planned.

Morioka Shimoota-Shinden, Iwate

At around 07:40 on the 14th, a police officer spotted one adult bear near the Dōhō dormitory at Iwate University in Ueda, Morioka. The city ordered an emergency shooting operation and restricted passage within a 200-meter radius northwest of the university, but the bear hid in undergrowth and was lost so it could not be culled; the shooting operation was lifted around 17:00 and authorities switched to box traps and conducted night patrols. The university canceled classes from the second period onward that day and suspended in-person classes on the 15th, asking dormitory residents to stay indoors.

Morioka, Iwate

At around 07:30 on May 14, 2026, one bear was sighted on the campus of Iwate University in Morioka (near the dormitory), and it remains on the grounds. Police and city officials are using drones to monitor the situation; some morning classes were canceled, no injuries or property damage have been reported, and the city is considering capture by tranquilizer or emergency culling.

Morioka Shimoota-Shinden, Iwate

An adult bear was sighted in the woodland across from the house. It ran up the mountain.

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

Around 06:30 on May 14, 2026, one bear was sighted at Iwate University in Morioka City and remained on the campus into the afternoon. In response, Morioka City decided to carry out an emergency culling by gun, the first such measure in the city.

Morioka, Iwate

At around 06:30 on May 14, an adult bear was sighted near the First Gymnasium on the Iwate University campus, and about an hour later another adult bear was seen near a university dormitory. The university canceled all classes for May 14, asked dorm residents to refrain from going out and warned students to stay inside, while police and prefectural staff continued to monitor the campus. Separately, at around 05:30 the same day an adult bear was also sighted near Iwate Junior & Senior High School in Nagatacho, Morioka.

Morioka, Iwate

On the morning of May 14 a single adult bear about 1 meter long was sighted on the Iwate University campus in Ueda, Morioka (near the dormitory). The city authorized an emergency shooting operation but could not locate the bear, switched to box traps, and the university canceled classes; no injuries or property damage were reported.

Morioka Shimoota-Shinden, Iwate

On May 14, 2026 at around 06:30, a bear was sighted near the First Gymnasium of Iwate University Ueda Campus in Morioka City, and at about 07:50 another sighting was reported near the Dohou student dormitory. Morioka city and the Iwate prefectural police responded, and the university canceled classes from the second period onward and urged students to go home safely.

Morioka, Iwate

On the morning of May 14, an adult bear about 1 meter long was sighted at Iwate University Ueda Campus in Ueda, Morioka, and the university canceled classes through May 15. Police are patrolling the area and said they will take action to cull the bear if its location is confirmed.

Morioka, Iwate

On the morning of May 14, an adult bear was sighted on the campus of Iwate University in Morioka. Around 05:30 it was seen near Iwate High School in Nagatacho, and at 07:40 police officers sighted the bear near the university dormitory "Dohoryo". As of 13:00 the bear was believed to remain on campus, with police and a hunters' association on alert; the university canceled all classes. No injuries or damage have been reported.

Morioka Shimoota-Shinden, Iwate

Bear sightings were reported in Morioka between the 13th and the morning of the 14th; around 05:30 a bear was seen near Iwate Junior/Senior High School in Nagatacho, and around 07:40 one was seen near a dormitory on Iwate University's Ueda campus. Police officers confirmed one adult bear on the university grounds but its subsequent whereabouts are unknown; Iwate University canceled the second-period classes and urged students to stay inside.

Morioka Senbokucho, Iwate

Around 05:30 on May 14, 2026, a bear was sighted near Iwate High School in Nagata-cho, Morioka. On the same day, bears were also reported on the Iwate University campus, and the university canceled some classes.

Morioka Senbokucho, Iwate

On May 14, 2026, one bear appeared at Iwate University in Morioka City and remained on the campus. Morioka City decided to carry out an emergency culling and canceled classes, but the shooting was called off due to sunset.

Morioka, Iwate

There were what appeared to be droppings of a young animal on the road.

Morioka, Iwate

Heard a bear vocalizing near the baseball field.

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

While working in an apple pre-cooling shed in an apple orchard, a bear was sighted. Outside the shed, apple boxes and the refrigerator drain pipe were damaged.

Morioka, Iwate

Saw what appeared to be a mother bear and cub at night.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

On the evening of May 13 a single bear was filmed running north across the lawn of Takamatsu Park in Morioka City. According to the city, there were six sightings around Takamatsu Park between the 13th and the morning of the 14th, and the city and police have increased patrols and warnings.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

Around 16:30 on May 13, an adult bear was sighted near the Takamatsu Park rose garden in Ueda Kogamori, Morioka; it moved north toward Uedazutsumi. Police warned nearby schools and residents and patrolled the area by patrol car; no bear-related damage has been confirmed.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

Observed one bear running away toward Lake Gosho near the Sakura Garden in Gosho-ko Regional Park.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

An adult bear was sighted near the Tsunagi multipurpose sports ground. It moved toward the Goshoko (Gosho Lake) area.

Morioka, Iwate

One medium-sized bear sighted in an apple orchard

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

One bear (size unknown) was observed moving into the northern woodland.

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

One adult was sighted. It was caught in a deer snare and escaped while permission to capture it was being sought, heading into the mountains.

Morioka Sanbonyanagi, Iwate

A bag of rice bran at a nearby shed has been raided by a bear.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

One young bear was sighted near the road by the parking area of Oirino Wetland Botanical Garden in Gosho Lake Regional Park.

Morioka Momijigaoka, Iwate

Numerous bear droppings were found on the property of a work shed adjacent to the residence.

Morioka Atagoshita, Iwate

At around 20:35 on the 12th, a driver spotted one bear crossing a road from east to west near a pond in Taihaku 2-chome, Taihaku Ward, Sendai. The bear left the area; there are childcare facilities and houses nearby, and police are patrolling and standing by.

Sendai Hagigaoka, Miyagi

Around 20:30 on the 12th, a bear about 1 meter long was sighted on the grounds of a factory in Matsukawa-machi, Fukushima City. The bear ran away into the forest without causing any injuries; police have stepped up their vigilance.

Fukushima Shinobuyama, Fukushima

Bear sighted near hot spring facility.

Morioka Momijigaoka, Iwate

Observed one presumed adult bear

Morioka Momijigaoka, Iwate

The site where a culled sika deer had been buried was dug up and the carcass taken. There are drag marks nearby, as well as bear tracks and scat.

Morioka Momijigaoka, Iwate

Around 13:40 on May 11, 2026, a passerby spotted a single bear about 1 meter long walking in the bamboo thicket near Komatsushima Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai, and called emergency services. The Sendai North Police are urging caution near nearby facilities including Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University and Tohoku High School.

Sendai Komatsu-Shintsutsumi, Miyagi

Apples stored in a combined farm-work and storage shed had been eaten/trashed. There were also numerous droppings believed to be from a bear both inside and outside the shed.

Morioka Momijigaoka, Iwate

Observed one adult bear heading north along the road.

Ōshū 水沢, Iwate

Spotted a bear near the Nakano intersection on National Route 4 that moved from west to east (toward Nakano Elementary School).

Morioka, Iwate

At around 06:40 on May 11 in the riverside area of Hirose River near Kokusai Center Station (under the subway Tozai Line) in Aoba Ward, Sendai, a man walking his dog reported seeing two bears—believed to be a parent and cub—about 1.5 m and 0.8 m long. The bears left the scene; police patrolled for about an hour and no further sightings were reported.

Sendai Aobayama, Miyagi

At around 06:30 on the 11th, two bears believed to be a parent and cub were sighted on the banks of the Hirose River beside Nishi Park in Aoba Ward, Sendai. After 13:30 another bear was seen in a bamboo grove at a park in Komatsushima 4-chome; police and Sendai City are patrolling and have issued warnings to nearby schools and the university. The man who reported the sighting was not injured.

Sendai Sakuragaoka-koen, Miyagi

I found large bear footprints.

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

One bear sighted near the garage of a residence.

Morioka Sanbonyanagi, Iwate

Around 18:30 on May 9, three bears were sighted in Kamisuwa, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, with no human or property damage reported. On May 10 at 15:09, a small bear was sighted on the grounds of Hanamaki Agricultural High School at 68-__ Katsura Dai-1 Chiwari, Hanamaki City.

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Eso, Iwate

While working in a rice field, the reporter spotted one medium-sized bear on the lower slope of the mountain behind them. They fired a rocket firework to scare it off, and the bear fled up into the mountain.

Morioka Higashinakano, Iwate

A single young bear was sighted near the parking lot reserved for staff of the Handmade Village.

Morioka Higashianiwa, Iwate

At around 08:50 on May 10, 2026, one bear was sighted in the parking lot of an apartment near Higashi-Anniwa 2-chome, Morioka City. The Morioka East Police Station alerted nearby residents; no damage from the bear has been reported.

Morioka Higashianiwa, Iwate

At about 08:30 on May 10, 2026, a single bear approximately 1 meter in length was sighted on a walking trail in Shiki no Mori within the Prefectural Forest in Tomiya City (Akashikami-Origemoto). When the walker increased the volume of a radio they were carrying, the bear left the area; there have been no further sightings and the management office is warning visitors over the park's PA system.

Tomiya, Miyagi

At around 08:25 on May 10, a passerby reported seeing an adult bear swimming north to south across the Kitakami River near Higashi-An'niwa 2-chome in Morioka City. Police issued local warnings and no damage from the bear has been confirmed.

Morioka Higashianiwa, Iwate

At around 08:25 on May 10 a single adult bear was reported swimming north to south in the Kitakami River west of 1-30 Higashi-An'niwa 2-chome in Morioka. At about 08:50 the same bear was also seen in an apartment parking lot in the same area; police issued warnings and no injuries were reported.

Morioka Higashianiwa, Iwate

A single medium-sized bear was observed moving toward Iwayama near the Iwayama entrance on National Route 4.

Morioka Sanbonyanagi, Iwate

Empty honey boxes with the honey removed and the place where the frames were kept were ransacked.

Morioka Higashianiwa, Iwate

At around 18:30 on the 9th, three bears were sighted walking in Kamisuwa, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. No human or property damage was reported.

Hanamaki Kamisuwa, Iwate

At around 10:25 a.m. on May 9, a single bear cub was sighted near Taisho Bridge in Niibori, Ishidoriyacho, Hanamaki City, and walked south. No damage from the bear has been confirmed, and the police are urging local residents to be cautious.

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Niibori, Iwate

Three bears were sighted in Kamisuwa, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture; no human or property damage has been confirmed.

Hanamaki Kamisuwa, Iwate

At around 05:30 on May 8, a resident saw one adult bear crossing a prefectural road about 500 meters south of Nishine Daiichi Junior High School in Horikiri, Hachimantai City. Police have urged local residents to be cautious, and no bear-related damage has been reported.

Hachimantai 上関, Iwate

A single young bear was sighted, believed to have come down from the mountains.

Morioka Shimokuriyagawa, Iwate

In Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, authorities issued a state of emergency following the appearance of an Asian black bear. The city is urging residents to prioritize actions that protect their lives.

Hachimantai 田頭, Iwate

A beehive box at the apiary beside the house was knocked over, and one frame was damaged.

Morioka Shimokuriyagawa, Iwate

Around 18:30 on May 7, in a residential area of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, residents spotted a bear about one meter long walking in a private garden and on the road; security camera footage appears to show the same individual. On the day of reporting, the hunters' association responded to a bear caught in a trap at a nearby ranch.

Hanamaki Kajomachi, Iwate

On May 7 between 18:15 and 18:50, multiple people observed one adult bear wandering on the road in Kōchi, Ishidoriyacho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. No damage from the bear has been confirmed, and police are warning nearby residents to be cautious.

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Kochi, Iwate

Around 16:00 on May 7, bear-like footprints were found in Saihatake (幸畑), Aomori City. No damage has been confirmed; the site is southeast of the Hakkoda Mountain Snow March Disaster Museum, and the city is urging nearby residents and passersby to be cautious.

Aomori Kobata, Aomori

On the morning of May 7, a woman was found unconscious in a mountain forest in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. She had injuries believed to be from an animal's claws, and police are investigating on suspicion she was attacked by a bear.

Hachimantai 田頭, Iwate

On the morning of May 7, 2026, the body of a woman in her 60s who had gone missing was found in a mountain forest near the Nitta District Community Center in Nishine Terada, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. The body had scratch-like wounds on the face and head, and police are investigating on suspicion of a bear attack.

Hachimantai 西根寺田, Iwate

On May 7 in a forest in Nishine Terada, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, the body of a woman in her 60s who had gone out to gather wild plants was found about 100 meters south of her car by a search team (discovered around 08:15 on the 7th). She had scratches on her face and head consistent with an animal attack, and the prefectural police are investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear.

Hachimantai, Iwate

A 69-year-old woman who went missing while foraging in Hachimantai was found dead on the morning of May 7, 2026, in woodland near the Nitta District Community Center in Nishine Terada, Hachimantai. The body had scratch-like wounds on the face, and police are investigating on the presumption she may have been attacked by a bear.

Hachimantai 西根寺田, Iwate

A woman in her 60s who had been reported missing in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, was found collapsed in woodland near the Shinden District Community Center in Nishine Terada on May 7 at 08:13; emergency personnel confirmed her death at the scene. She had scratch wounds on her face believed to have been caused by a bear, and police are investigating the relationship between the wounds and the cause of death and whether a bear attack occurred.

Hachimantai 西根寺田, Iwate

In Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, a woman in her 60s who went out to pick wild plants was reported missing from May 6; during a search, her body was found in the mountains of the city on the morning of May 7 at around 8:00. The body showed signs of an animal attack, and police are investigating the cause of death, considering the possibility that she was attacked by a bear.

Hachimantai 田頭, Iwate

On 2026-05-07 in Nishine Terada, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, the body of a 69-year-old woman who went missing on May 6 while foraging was found. The body had scratch wounds on the face and head and was discovered about 100 meters from her car; police say a bear attack is considered highly likely.

Hachimantai, Iwate

At around 05:10 on the 7th, a man in his 40s spotted one bear (about 1 m long) in a field in Yunohigashiyama, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City. There were no injuries, and the police are urging caution.

Fukushima Iizakamachi-Yuno, Fukushima

On May 7, 2026, the body of a woman was found in woodland in Nishineda Terada, Hachimantai City while foraging for wild plants. The body was located about 100 meters from her car; she was carrying a bear bell but had scratch-like wounds on her face and head, suggesting a possible bear attack.

Hachimantai, Iwate

According to the Iwate Prefectural Police, on May 7, 2026, the body of a woman in her 60s was found in a mountain in Hachimantai City. Her face and head had scratch wounds consistent with an animal attack, and police suspect she may have been attacked by a bear; she had been missing since May 6 after going out to pick wild plants.

Hachimantai 田頭, Iwate

Sighted one bear crossing the roadway.

Morioka Higashimirumae, Iwate

A single juvenile bear was sighted near the staff-only parking lot at Tezukuri Village.

Morioka Higashimirumae, Iwate

Observed one juvenile crossing the road from south to north.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

The body of a woman believed to be in her 60s was found in a forest in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture; scratch wounds on her face suggest she may have been attacked by a bear. Reports say the woman had gone missing after going out to gather wild plants.

Hachimantai 田頭, Iwate

A single young bear was sighted on the elementary school grounds.

Ōshū 江刺稲瀬, Iwate

One juvenile bear was sighted near the business premises.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

At around 03:40 on the 5th, a resident spotted a single bear heading east on a road in Kuwabara 1-chome, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. According to the prefectural police, the bear was about 1 meter long; officers patrolled the area but the animal had already left.

Iwanuma Honchō, Miyagi

Observed one adult bear passing through rice paddies and residential areas, moving into the brush along the Isawa River.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

Witnessed one adult bear moving through rice paddies and houses, heading into the brush along the Isawa River.

Ōshū 水沢卸町, Iwate

Around 10:30 a.m. on the 4th in Hanamaki (Ishidoriya-cho, Kitaterabayashi), caretaker Kiyoshi Sameguchi found an overturned bucket near a chicken coop with feed scattered. Family members saw one adult bear nearby and reported it to the city; police and the hunting association set a trap at 1:00 p.m. and are on alert.

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Kitaterabayashi, Iwate

Observed one young bear jumping over the fence along the Tohoku Expressway service road and moving south.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

Witnessed one young bear crossing the national highway from east to west near Mizusawa Interchange.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

Inside Ishidoriya Fureai Sports Park

Hanamaki Ishidoriyacho-Kitaterabayashi, Iwate

Observed one adult bear staying on the road slope for about 5 minutes.

Ōshū 水沢, Iwate

An adult bear was sighted near the garbage collection point.

Morioka Tsuchibuchi, Iwate

One bear sighted in the hot spring facility parking lot

Morioka, Iwate

Witnessed one young bear running away on the roadway.

Morioka, Iwate

One juvenile bear sighted on the road.

Ōshū 水沢佐倉河, Iwate

Around 12:20 PM on May 2, 2026, a man in his 30s walking near the Arakawa in Niida Shimokawahara, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, reported seeing one animal believed to be a bear to the Fukushima police station. The police said the animal's body length is unknown, and the sighting occurred near the Fukushima Toyota Crown Arena.

Fukushima Yagita, Fukushima

At around 11:10 a.m. on May 2, 2026, a man in a car spotted one bear (about 50 cm in length) moving north on a town road in Miyahara, Ookido, Kunimi Town, Fukushima Prefecture. No damage has been reported nearby; the police are patrolling with patrol cars and coordinating the response with the Kunimi town office.

Kunimi 大字高城, Fukushima

Around 06:55 on the 2nd, a man working in an orchard at Sakashita, Matsubara, Koori Town, Fukushima Prefecture, spotted a single bear about 1.5 meters long moving west along the orchard's north side. No significant damage has been confirmed; police are patrolling the area by patrol car and coordinating the response with Date City Hall.

Koori 大字松原, Fukushima

At around 06:55 on May 2, 2026, a man in his 70s working in a peach orchard at Kensho Momo no Sato in Koori Town spotted a bear about 1.5 meters long. The bear left the scene and its subsequent whereabouts are unknown; no injuries were reported. Police are patrolling the area and urging caution.

Koori 字堰合, Fukushima

At around 06:30 on May 2, 2026, a man driving in Fukushima-shi, Iizaka-machi Higashiyuno Aza Kamioka, saw a bear about 1 meter long cross a municipal road from west to east. The bear then left heading east along a nearby irrigation canal.

Fukushima Iizakamachi-Higashiyuno, Fukushima

A bear sighting was reported in Fukushima City. The article does not provide specific details on the exact location, time, or number of bears (published: 2026-05-02).

Fukushima Shinobuyama, Fukushima

Rice bran had been placed beside the field the reporter rents; two bags were torn into, and bear droppings and footprints on the mulch were found.

Morioka, Iwate

A pedestrian on a walk sighted one adult bear in Nishimatsuzono 2-chome, Morioka City. The bear left the scene heading south and no damage has been reported.

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

An adult bear was behind the garbage collection point near the caller’s residence; it then ran off toward the forested area.

Morioka, Iwate

A black bear (about 1 m) was rummaging through apple crates looking for apples.

Morioka Kado, Iwate

The field plastic mulch was torn, and there were footprints. The compost was disturbed.

Morioka, Iwate

On May 1, 2026, sightings of a presumed adult bear were reported multiple times in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. The bear was seen at 10:50 near the FamilyMart Shibutami store in Shimoda, at 13:50 wandering on the road in Tsukigaoka 2-chome, and at 18:37 knocking over apple boxes in front of a shed in Mon/Suma; no human or property damage was reported.

Morioka Hirakashinden, Iwate

According to Morioka West Police, at around 13:50 on May 1, 2026, a passerby sighted one bear-like animal wandering near the municipal road east of Morioka Juvenile Prison at 15-1 Tsukigaoka 2-chome, Morioka City. The direction it went is unknown, and no human or property damage has been confirmed.

Morioka Hirakashinden, Iwate

At the Kōdōyama trailhead, five hikers sighted a mother and cub bear.

Morioka, Iwate

At around 10:50 on May 1, a single young bear was seen walking near the FamilyMart Shibutami store in Shimoda, Morioka City, and walked toward Shibutami Station. No injuries or damage were reported, and police have warned local residents to be cautious.

Morioka, Iwate

Sighted one medium-sized bear in an apple orchard

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

There are round footprints on the ridges I made. About 15 centimeters in diameter. Could it be a bear?

Morioka, Iwate

There are bear footprints in the experiential farm located on the south side of the elementary school.

Morioka Mitsuwari, Iwate

Around 18:00 on April 30, 2026, a roughly 1-meter bear was sighted in a rice paddy in Tome City. After 19:30 the same evening, a similar bear was seen on the road north of Tatemachi Elementary School in Tate, Izumi Ward, Sendai City; no injuries were reported. The prefecture has issued a bear sighting warning for the entire prefecture.

Tome 南方町新島前, Miyagi

According to police, on the morning of the 30th a man in his 30s driving on National Route 4 in Kunimi Town, Isomoda Aza Kunimimae, Fukushima Prefecture, spotted one bear (about 0.5 m long) wandering on the central median. The bear later left toward the riverbed to the east.

Kunimi 大字大木戸, Fukushima

One bear sighted.

Ōshū Mizusawa-Miyashitacho, Iwate

At around 06:30 on April 30, 2026, a man in his 30s driving on Route 4 in Kunimi Town sighted a bear about 50 cm long wandering near the central median. No one was injured; the bear later moved toward the Takigawa riverbed, and police and the town remain on alert.

Kunimi 大字大木戸, Fukushima

On April 30, 2026 at around 06:30, a man in his 30s driving on Route 4 in Kunimi Town spotted a single bear about 50 cm in body length walking near the central median. The bear was also seen near a river on the east side of the road and its whereabouts are currently unknown; no damage to people or buildings has been confirmed. Police and town officials are patrolling the area and remaining on alert.

Kunimi 大字森山, Fukushima

Around 06:30 on the 30th, a man in his 30s reported a bear wandering near the central median on National Route 4 in Kunimi-machi, Ishiboda Kunimemae. There were no injuries; according to the Koori branch, the bear was about 0.5 meters long and ran toward the riverbank on the east side of the road. Around the same time a bear was also sighted on Route 4 at Ishiboda Ueno.

Kunimi 大字大木戸, Fukushima

At around 06:28 on April 30, 2026, a single bear about 0.5 meters long was sighted near the central divider of National Route 4 in Kunimi Town, Ishiboda, Kunimemae. The bear later left toward the riverbank on the east side of the road; no injuries or damage have been reported.

Kunimi 大字大木戸, Fukushima

On April 30, 2026, a bear sighting was reported in Kunimi Town, Fukushima Prefecture. The article does not report any injuries or details of capture.

Kunimi 大字藤田, Fukushima

At around 15:25 on April 28, 2026, a runner spotted a single bear about 1.0 m long on the Arakawa riverbank at Niida Nishi-Shimokawara in Fukushima City. No human or property damage was reported; Fukushima police increased patrols and a large walking event scheduled for the next day was canceled.

Fukushima Yoshikura, Fukushima

At around 15:23 on April 28, 2026, a man jogging along the Arakawa near Niiida Nishishimokawara in Fukushima City sighted a bear approximately 1 meter long. No injuries or damage have been reported; police and city officials are searching and keeping the area under watch.

Fukushima Yoshikura, Fukushima

At around 13:40 on the 28th, a 110 call reported seeing something like a bear in a residential area of Tsurugaya 4-chome, Miyagino Ward, Sendai. According to the Sendai East Police Station, the sighting occurred about 300 meters northeast of Tsurugaya Kindergarten, and the station is urging caution in the area.

Sendai Jiyugaoka, Miyagi

At around 13:40 on April 28, a report was made of a "bear-like" animal in a residential area of Tsurugaya 4-chome, Miyagino-ku, Sendai. According to the Sendai East Police Station, the animal was sighted about 300 meters northeast of Tsurugaya Kindergarten, and the station has urged caution in the surrounding area.

Sendai Jiyugaoka, Miyagi

was walking on the ridge between the fields

Kakuda Osaka, Miyagi

On 2026-04-28, one bear was sighted near Tsurukaya Kindergarten in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Sendai Jiyugaoka, Miyagi

One adult bear sighted.

Ōshū, Iwate

Bear sighted near the hot spring facility.

Takizawa 大沢舛村, Iwate

Around 18:30 on April 27, a single bear about 1.2 meters long was sighted on a road in Hiraiishi Aza Uehara, Fukushima City.

Fukushima Fushiogami, Fukushima

Around 17:20 on April 27, 2026, a passerby sighted one adult bear near the north-side waterway of Takizawa Minami Junior High in Ukai, Takizawa City. According to the Morioka West Police Station, no damage was confirmed. There were also daytime sightings in the surrounding area.

Takizawa 鵜飼滝向, Iwate

On 2026-04-27 at around 16:45, a male elementary-school student returning home saw a bear climbing a tree in woodland north of Izumi High Support School in Anyoji 2-chome, Miyagino Ward, Sendai, and a guardian called 110. The Sendai East Police are warning local residents and schools; the bear is about 1 meter long and may be the same individual reported in earlier sightings.

Sendai Masue, Miyagi

Around 14:00 on April 27, one bear was sighted near Mantoku, Dobuchi, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. The city has urged nearby residents to be cautious.

Morioka Hirakashinden, Iwate

At around 05:40 on April 27, 2026, an adult bear was sighted near Hiijono Sports Park in Matsuzono-cho, Hanamaki City. Matsuzono Nursery is nearby; the city and police monitored the area, and no damage has been reported.

Hanamaki Matsuzonocho, Iwate

At around 18:30 on April 26, 2026, a single bear approximately 1 meter long was sighted in woodland below the Numata embankment at Hironagayama, Kashimadai, Osaki City, by a driver traveling on Prefectural Route 19 (Kashimadai-Takashimizu line). There have been no further sightings, and the police have stepped up patrols in the area.

Osaki 鹿島台平渡, Miyagi

There was one in an open area a short distance down a forestry road. It was sniffing around the ground, so maybe it was hungry?

Towada, Aomori

Around 13:55 on the 25th, five elementary school children playing near a grove in Tsurugayanorth 2-chome, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, sighted two bears about 1 meter long. The children evacuated to a friend's house with no injuries; there have been no further sightings, and police are warning residents near nearby schools (Nankodai Higashi elementary and junior high) and housing areas.

Sendai Tsurugaya, Miyagi

On April 25, 2026 at about 13:55, two bears about 1 meter long were sighted by an elementary school pupil in Tsurugaya-kita 2-chome, Miyagino Ward, Sendai. Earlier that day at about 07:30 two bears were seen on a road in Sambongi Otonashi, Osaki, and at 13:40 one bear was sighted in a rice field in Komatsu, Higashimatsushima; no human or property damage has been reported. Police are patrolling and urging caution.

Sendai Tsurugaya, Miyagi