Nagaoka to Kitaakita Hiking Route

At around 15:20 on May 13, 2026, a man in his 30s resting in his car sighted a bear about 1 meter long in Yurihonjo City, Ishiwaki, Shimo-Chōronuma. The nearest house was about 20 meters away; the Yurihonjo police patrolled the area by cruiser and warned residents.

Yurihonjō 日役町, Akita

Approximately 1 meter long. Witnessed a bear in a rice field.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Hongo, Akita

At around 04:50 on May 13, 2026, one bear was sighted in Sakanobe Shinden, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. The article does not report further details or whether there were any damages or injuries.

Sakata 坂野辺新田, Yamagata

[Post] While returning home, I was running toward the park.

Akita, Akita

Attempted to cross the Yokoyama-Kanaashi line, but there were many cars, and it kept coming in and out of the bushes.

Akita, Akita

[Post] I heard a noise outside, and when I looked I saw two bears.

Akita, Akita

It was sprinting through the field.

Akita, Akita

Around 18:45 on May 11, an adult bear (one individual) was sighted in a grove within a residential area in Midorigaoka, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. No damage to people or property has been confirmed, but nearby schools have urged students to commute accompanied by guardians.

Sakata 宮野浦, Yamagata

Around 17:45 on May 11, 2026, two bears believed to be a parent and child were sighted in Yuatsumi, Tsuruoka City. The bears later moved to the mountains to the south; their size is unknown, and the city is urging caution.

Tsuruoka 湯温海, Yamagata

Spotted a bear about 0.5 m in size on the grounds north of the elementary school. Direction of travel unknown. 50 m from the building.

Akita Terauchi-Koya, Akita

Around 15:45 on May 11, 2026, a male elementary school student spotted a bear approximately 50 cm long in a grassland in Shōgunno Minami 1-chome, Akita City. The location is about 50 meters from Takashimizu Elementary School, and the local police station has advised residents to be cautious.

Akita Terauchi-Koya, Akita

[Report] While walking my dog, it crossed the road.

Akita, Akita

At around 08:15 on the 10th, a bear approximately 1.5 meters long was sighted on the railway tracks at Daidōshita, Osugo, Kisakata-cho, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. A man in his 70s who was walking nearby spotted the bear, which was about 2 meters from a nearby house; the Yurihonjo police warned residents to be cautious.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Osugo, Akita

Spotted one approximately 1.5 m bear on the JR Uetsu Line tracks. 2 m from a house.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Osugo, Akita

One bear about 80 cm in body length was walking north from a rice field.

Nikaho Otake, Akita

There were two on the tree and one under the tree.

Katagami, Akita

Ran through from the Ushi-no-sawa area toward the Sugi-sawa area.

Akita Koyoaoyagicho, Akita

A bear about 120 cm long walked from the athletic area, came up to look around, walked a little, then went back. It was about 20 meters away.

Akita, Akita

Distance to houses: 50 m. Body length: about 1 m.

Yurihonjō 荒町, Akita

Distance to the nearest house: 100 m Body length: approximately 1 m

Yurihonjō 荒町, Akita

Distance to the house: 5 m. Body length: approximately 1 m. Went toward the mountain.

Yurihonjō 古川端, Akita

On May 9, 2026 at around 07:30, an woman in her 80s in Tsuchiya, Yurihonjo City, saw a bear approximately 1 meter long on private property; a woman in her 30s driving by reported a similar sighting at the same time. At about 08:30, a man in his 60s spotted a roughly 1-meter bear in a rice field in Sanjo, Yurihonjo City. Police have warned residents to be cautious.

Yurihonjō 古川端, Akita

Distance to houses: 30 m Body length: approximately 1 m

Yurihonjō 古川端, Akita

[Post]

Akita, Akita

[Post] While driving by, it was attempting to climb the school fence

Akita Iijima-Bunkyocho, Akita

[Report] Probably a cub. It left the park and ran south.

Akita Arayaasahimachi, Akita

I went outside to take a walk and saw a bear about 100 meters away, so I immediately went back inside. It walked toward the direction of Iijima Minami Elementary School.

Akita, Akita

Bear body length: 1.0 m. Fled into the southern forest.

Yurihonjō 二十六木, Akita

At around 14:25 on May 8, 2026, a woman in her 60s inside the Koide After-School Care Club Keyakikko grounds in Nakasanmaiji Aza Hashimoto, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, sighted a bear about 60 cm long. The Yurihonjo police station said the bear was about 10 meters from the nearest building; they notified relevant authorities and used patrol cars to warn and alert residents in the area.

Nikaho Innai, Akita

At about 14:25 on May 8, 2026, a woman in her 60s at the Koide after-school childcare club 'Keyakikko' in Hashimoto, Nakamisaji, Nikaho City, sighted a single bear approximately 60 cm long on the facility grounds. Police contacted related agencies, patrolled the area by squad car, and warned residents to be cautious.

Nikaho Terada, Akita

One bear cub sighted near the former Koide Elementary School

Nikaho Terada, Akita

One cub (about 50 cm) was seen moving from the bushes into the rice field.

Nikaho Terada, Akita

Announcements by loudspeaker and by car warned that a bear had been seen near the former Koide Elementary School.

Nikaho Terada, Akita

An elderly man's body was found in the mountains of Sakata City; his identity is unknown and a bear attack is considered likely, with the cause of death determined to be bleeding from wounds. In Yamagata Prefecture, multiple bear sightings occurred on May 7 and 8, and a person was attacked while foraging in Asahi Town on the 7th.

Sakata 字下瀬, Yamagata

[Post] A moving black shape on a private property

Akita Iijima-Naganohoncho, Akita

[Report] While driving, I witnessed one cub (about 50 cm in length) sprinting up the west-side stairs of Iijima Elementary School grounds. I could not confirm any adult bear, but it may have been with the cub.

Akita Iijima-Matsunehigashicho, Akita

Walking from the dentist toward the bakery.

Akita, Akita

[Post] While passing by in a car, I saw two bears walking on the sidewalk.

Akita, Akita

[Post] There was a black animal in the forest, and when I went to see it, it was a mother bear and her cubs. When I went closer, they ran away.

Katagami, Akita

During farm work, one bear was sighted. Body length approximately 1.2 m. It departed heading north toward Sugawara Shrine.

Akita, Akita

Sighted near 60-1, Kitano, Tenno, Katagami City. Moving west.

Katagami, Akita

A man's body was found in a forest in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture; it is believed the death may have been caused by a bear.

Sakata 字下瀬, Yamagata

[Report] An individual approximately 1.5 m in size is on the facility grounds. It crossed the road in front of the facility and entered the brush to the east.

Ikawa 寺沢, Akita

While driving on the highway, I witnessed one cub (about 70 cm) crossing the road.

Nikaho Kurokawa, Akita

A small bear-like animal crossed the road. It went north.

Ikawa 今戸, Akita

On 2026-05-06, one bear was captured at a supermarket in Akita City.

Akita Sanno, Akita

Around 20:50 on the 5th, a man in his teens resting in a nearby park spotted a bear about 1 meter long crossing a municipal road in Akita City's Niida Kiriage. According to the Akita Central Police Station, the bear was about 10 meters from a house and about 400 meters from Niida Elementary School; the station has warned residents to be cautious.

Akita, Akita

Sighted a bear on the road. Body length 1 m. Departed toward the rice fields to the east. 10 m from nearby houses.

Akita, Akita

Posted: Witnessed a small bear cub running into the woods from a car. 39.8113147, 140.0421385

Katagami, Akita

(Posted) Went toward Iijima Minami Elementary School

Akita, Akita

It swam across the Matomigawa River and ran off toward the mountains. It was a large bear.

Akita, Akita

I thought it was a black lump, but it was a bear crossing the river. It was large.

Akita, Akita

Observed a bear at the foot of the bridge. Body length approximately 1 m. It left heading east. Nearest houses about 100 m away.

Akita, Akita

At about 15:40 on the 5th, a bear about 1 meter long was seen crossing a road in Miyata, Kanaashi Horinai, Akita City by a woman in her 40s driving. The nearest house was about 100 meters away, and the Akita Rinko Police Station has warned residents to be cautious.

Akita, Akita

(Posted) It was on the road; when I shouted loudly it ran off toward Deto Elementary School.

Katagami, Akita

[Post] A large individual about 1.5 m in length.

Gojome 内川浅見内, Akita

On the morning of May 5, 2026, a man in his 40s performing rice-field patrols in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, was attacked by a bear and injured. Prefectural and city authorities issued a bear-sighting warning and urged residents to be cautious.

Yurihonjō Taniyamakoji, Akita

I went to the prefectural museum.

Akita Kanaashi-Koizumi, Akita

Shortly before 08:30 on the 5th, a man in his 40s who was patrolling rice fields in Higashi-Yuri, Yurihonjo City, was attacked by a bear about 1 m long. He suffered injuries to his face and right arm and was taken to a hospital in Akita City; he was reported conscious during transport.

Yurihonjō Taniyamakoji, Akita

In Yurihonjo City (Higashiyuri), a man in his 40s inspecting rice fields was attacked by a bear around 08:20 and sustained injuries to his face and right arm; he was airlifted to a hospital by doctor helicopter. He was conscious and able to speak, and is believed to have run into a nearby house.

Yurihonjō Taniyamakoji, Akita

At around 08:15 this morning in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, a 48-year-old man inspecting rice fields was attacked by a bear approximately 1 meter long, suffering injuries to his right face and right arm. He was conscious and able to speak when transported.

Yurihonjō Taniyamakoji, Akita

Posted: Crossed while driving on the highway

Hachirogata Koike, Akita

On May 5 in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, a 48-year-old man was attacked by a bear about 1 meter long while in a rice field; he suffered injuries to his face and arm and was taken to hospital. Authorities are patrolling the area, marking this the first human injury in the prefecture this year.

Yurihonjō Taniyamakoji, Akita

On May 5 a man's body was found in a forested area of Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, with wounds to the head and arms. The prefectural police are investigating the possibility of a bear attack, and one bear was culled near the discovery shortly after the body was found.

Sakata 字下瀬, Yamagata

A supposed bear sighting before 22:30 on May 4 at a convenience-store parking lot in Kamo City (Ogocho 2) was found, after review of CCTV by the Kamo police and city, to be a leashed dog at the entrance.

Kamo, Niigata

Spotted one bear in front of the convenience store entrance. It ran off toward the northeast.

Kamo, Niigata

Kamo City reported that at around 22:25 on May 4 a roughly 1-meter bear was sighted in front of the Seven-Eleven entrance in Daigocho, Kamo, but security camera footage later showed the animal was actually a leashed dog; the city apologized on the morning of May 5 for the false report. The city continues to urge caution against bear encounters.

Kamo, Niigata

A 1.0 m bear was sighted on a municipal road near Tennō Minami Junior High School. It was reported to have moved off eastward.

Katagami, Akita

Around 16:40 near Tenno Aza Oiwake Nishi, a 1.0 m bear was sighted. It briefly climbed a tree and then left. Direction it departed is unknown.

Katagami, Akita

At around 16:50, there was a sighting of a 1.0 m bear on a city road near Tennō Minami Junior High School. It was reported to have left heading east.

Katagami, Akita

Around 16:40 on the 4th, a woman in her 40s from Katagami City saw a bear about 1 meter long crossing a municipal road in Tennō Oiwake-nishi. The bear was about 5 meters from a private house; multiple sightings were reported in the area and the Gojōme police station has urged residents to be cautious.

Katagami, Akita

Saw a bear cub running up the embankment at Nagaoka Community Hall

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Nagaoka, Akita

At around 11:40 a.m. on the 4th, a bear was sighted on a slope near the Nagaoka community center in Nagaoka, Iejiri, Kisakata-cho, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. According to the Yurihonjo Police, the bear's body length is unknown; it was about 100 meters from the nearest house, and the police have warned residents to be cautious.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Nagaoka, Akita

[Post]

Akita, Akita

Was swimming

Akita, Akita

[Post]

Akita, Akita

While we had parked the car and were walking down to the beach with my family to look for things like sea glass, we found footprints that looked like a bear’s and immediately left the area.

Nikaho, Akita

sighting

Nikaho Mitsumori, Akita

[Report] Bear sighted at Kosunagawa Beach. Body length unknown.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Kosagawa, Akita

I can't be sure it was a bear, but a dark-colored animal (about 50–60 cm) was on the gravel road. It walked east.

Ikawa 今戸, Akita

A cub climbed up the embankment beside the road.

Nikaho Kurokawa, Akita

Spotted a bear in a bamboo grove. Body length about 50 cm. It left heading south. About 100 m from nearby houses.

Akita, Akita

Spotted one bear at the JR Suzu railroad crossing. Body length approximately 1 meter. It ran away toward the mountains to the east.

Nikaho Hirasawa, Akita

According to Sakata Police Station, at around 06:50 on May 2, 2026, one bear approximately 1 meter long was sighted in a field in Hodumi, Sakata City; police warned it may remain nearby and urged caution. Yamagata Prefecture issued a "bear sighting warning" on April 30, and other bear sightings in the city were reported on May 1.

Sakata 穂積, Yamagata

(Post) Was swimming in the river

Akita Kawashiri-Wakabamachi, Akita

Around 2:40 a.m. on May 1, 2026, one bear was sighted on the south side of an intersection near Hikarigaoka Athletic Stadium in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. The city is urging people not to approach and to report sightings to the police or city authorities.

Sakata 新町, Yamagata

Around 02:30 on May 1, 2026, a single adult bear about 1 meter long was seen by a passerby near the Hikarigaoka Athletic Stadium in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, at an intersection where a national and prefectural road meet, and was reported to the city. No further sightings have been reported, and the city has urged residents to keep warehouse and garage entrances closed.

Sakata 新町, Yamagata

Spotted one bear while driving north. Body length about 1 meter. It attempted to cross the road from the west to the east but noticed the car and returned to the bushes.

Nikaho Innai, Akita

Witnessed a bear crossing the road from east to west. Body length approximately 1 m. 100 m from nearby buildings.

Akita Iijima, Akita

One 1.5 m bear. Moving from the FamilyMart toward Detohama.

Katagami, Akita

At approximately 09:40, a 1.5 m bear was sighted on the prefectural road in Tenno, Shimohamayama. Direction of departure unknown.

Katagami, Akita

Around 09:40 on April 30, 2026, a bear about 1 meter long was sighted on the roadside of a prefectural road near Shimo-Hamayama, Tenno, Katagami City, by a man in his 40s driving a car from Akita City. According to the Gojome Police, the nearest house is about 50 meters away; patrol cars issued warnings and urged residents to be cautious.

Katagami Tenno, Akita

Posted: Encountered during a walk. The bear seemed curious and approached the flashy traffic cone to look at it. Afterwards, it ran off into the depths (of the area).

Akita Arayaokawamachi, Akita

[Post]

Akita Arayaasahimachi, Akita

While traveling from Oiwake toward Oga, it entered the roadside brush on the right and went into the bushes on the left side of the road.

Katagami, Akita

[Post] While driving, a creature that appeared to be a bear crossed the road.

Akita, Akita

Around 10:00 on April 29, 2026, a roughly 1-meter black bear was sighted at a seaside breakwater in Akita City; footage showed it walking while sniffing the ground. A fishing event with many anglers was taking place nearby.

Akita Koyosaiwaicho, Akita

While working in the fields, a bear was sighted in the rice paddy. One bear, about 1 m. Approximately 80 m from the nearest house. The bear then left heading north.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed one bear entering the premises of Akita Kairiku Co., Ltd. Size over 1 m. Wandering around the site.

Akita Iijima, Akita

When I got into my car on my property, a single bear about 1.2 m tall was right beside me (0.5 m away). When I shouted loudly, it left toward the north (Koizumigata Park direction). Distance from the house: 5 m.

Akita, Akita

A bear appeared near a breakwater in Akita City, causing alarm among anglers and participants at a nearby fishing event. Sightings were reported repeatedly in the area, raising local concern.

Akita Sanno, Akita

Sighted one bear on the road in front of the entrance. It left toward the south. Body length 1.0 m. Distance from the residence: 5 m.

Akita Arayawariyamamachi, Akita

One bear sighted inside Akita Port International Container Terminal. Body length 1.0 m. Direction of departure unknown.

Akita Iijima, Akita

It tried to cross the Akita South Bypass, attempted to climb over the fence between the two directions of traffic, but gave up and returned toward the sea.

Akita, Akita

While driving from the Honjo direction, it emerged from the brush on the west side and then returned. Body length 1 m. 200 m to the nearest house.

Akita Arayashitakawaramachi, Akita

At around 13:50 on April 28, a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted near the south entrance of the Katsuhira Hamanasu Tunnel on the Akita South Bypass in Arai-machi, Akita City, by a man in his 70s driving by. The sighting location is about 200 meters from Akita Commercial High School and about 300 meters from the nearest house; the Akita Central Police are coordinating with relevant agencies, patrolling the area, and warning residents.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed one brown/black bear about 1 m tall entering the brush toward Prefectural Route 56 near the Chiyoda Kogyo factory.

Akita Iijima, Akita

Around 9:30 a.m. on April 28, an adult bear was sighted in the urban area of Sakanobe-Shinden, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture; the bear reportedly ran south toward farmland.

Sakata 坂野辺新田, Yamagata

[Post]

Akita Iijima, Akita

While driving on the prefectural road from Akita toward Katagami, I saw one bear crossing the road from east to west. It continued westward and left. Body length 1.0 m. 450 m from Akita Smelting Plant.

Akita Iijima, Akita

[Post]

Akita Iijima, Akita

One bear about 1.5 meters. It moved south through the intersection and entered the brush.

Katagami, Akita

[Post]

Gojome 川崎, Akita

[Post] On my way home I heard a cry, and when I turned around I saw a lone bear cub walking by itself.

Akita, Akita

One bear was sighted about 50 meters north of the Momosada Frog statue. Body length 1.5 m. Departed to the southeast. 800 meters to the nearest residence.

Akita, Akita

At around 19:10 on April 27, on a prefectural road in Tenno, Katagami City, a police patrol car collided with a bear about 1.5 meters long. The three officers on board were uninjured, and the bear left the scene afterward.

Katagami Tenno, Akita

[Sighting] Crossing Prefectural Route 56 from the seaside toward the inland

Katagami, Akita

[Report] Spotted walking along the fence inside the premises of Akita Thermal Power Plant. Believed to be a large adult, approximately over 1 meter in body length.

Akita Iijima, Akita

Observed one bear about 1–2 m (shoulder height) moving south near the main gate of Tohoku Electric Power Akita Thermal Power Station. It was 10 m from the main gate.

Akita Iijima, Akita

Entered the grounds of the house at the back

Akita, Akita

One bear was sighted on the municipal road in front of a house. Body length 1.0 m. When approached by a car it departed toward the north. 5 m from a residence.

Akita, Akita

While working in the field, I spotted one bear on the mountainside. Its body length was about 1.5 m. It walked off toward the north.

Akita, Akita

Left the city road north of the shrine, heading from south to north. Body length 1.0 m. 400 m from residences.

Akita, Akita

Body length: 0.8 m Distance to residence: 100 m

Yurihonjō 薬師堂, Akita

[Report] Spotted a bear crossing the river on my commute

Akita Kawashiri-Shinkawamachi, Akita

After coming up from the river, it appears to have headed toward the mountains.

Kitaakita Haneyama, Akita

On April 26, 2026, around 21:00, a woman in her 50s driving in Hirasawa, Nikaho City (Fukayachi), Akita Prefecture, sighted a bear about 1 meter long. According to the Yurihonjo Police, the bear was about 30 meters from a nearby house and the police have urged residents to be cautious.

Nikaho Mitsumori, Akita

Crossed the road leading from the east side to the west side toward the intersection near the pachinko parlor.

Nikaho Mitsumori, Akita

One bear was sighted. Its subsequent movement route is unknown.

Niigata, Niigata

While walking the dog, I observed one bear approximately 1 m tall in a fallow rice field. It left heading northwest. It was 30 m from a building.

Akita Ushijima, Akita

Around 18:50 on April 26, 2026, a man in his 40s walking in a rice field in Osumiminami 1-chome, Akita City, saw a bear about 1 meter long walking. The sighting was reported to the Akita Central Police Station.

Akita Ushijima, Akita

[Report] Came up from the old rice field in front of the house onto the road, then returned to the old rice field.

Akita Ushijima, Akita

At around 18:35 on the 26th, a roughly 1.5-meter bear was seen crossing a national road in Tenno, Katagami (Aza Kamanuma) by a man in his 60s who was driving. According to the Gojome police, the bear was about 40 meters from nearby buildings, and the police have urged residents to be cautious.

Katagami Tenno, Akita

[Report] Sighted a cub

Akita, Akita

Around 14:00 on April 26, 2026, a parent-and-child bear was sighted near the nursing home Shoto-so in Sugasato, Yusa Town, and the town urged nearby residents to be cautious. Since late February, sightings of bears and wild boar have been frequent in Yusa Town, and there have been 74 bear sightings in the prefecture so far, an increase at a pace exceeding last year's record.

Yuza 菅里, Yamagata

While I was eating in the car, I saw a dark, low shadow/shape.

Akita Arayatorikimachi, Akita

[Report] From the meadow in the area that used to be a cemetery (seaside side), it crossed the road, passed through houses, and headed into the mountains (mountainous area on the bypass road side). A nearby resident witnessed this.

Akita, Akita

Spotted a bear on the beach. It moved off to the east. Body length: 1 m. Distance from houses: approximately 100 m.

Akita, Akita

At around 10:05 a.m. on April 26, 2026, a man in his 30s on a walk spotted a bear about 1 meter long walking on the coast at Takinoshita, Hamada, Akita City. The nearest house was about 50 meters away; Akita Central Police notified relevant agencies and are patrolling the area by patrol car, warning residents.

Akita, Akita

Shortly after 10:00 on April 26, 2026, one bear was seen walking on the coast at Hamada Takinoshita in Akita City. The sighting was about 50 meters from nearby houses; police are on alert and have urged residents to be cautious.

Akita, Akita

Tried to cross the highway, noticed my own car, and turned back.

Akita, Akita

【Post】

Akita, Akita

I saw it inside the tunnel.

Akita Arayaokitamachi, Akita

One bear approximately 1 meter in body length was sighted.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Kodaki, Akita

On April 25 before 9:00, staff and residents at a nursing home in Akita City spotted a large bear eating grass outside a glass door. The facility secured all exterior windows and closed curtains to protect residents; the bear then moved to the rear of the property and climbed a cliff.

Akita Sanno, Akita

One bear approximately 1.0 m in body length was sighted in the facility parking lot. It left heading north. It was 100 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

On April 25 at about 08:45, a woman in her 40s spotted a bear about 1 meter long near Jinngahara, Hamada, Akita City. On April 26 at about 10:05 a man in his 30s saw another approximately 1-meter bear on the coast at Takinoshita, and the police have issued a warning.

Akita, Akita

Shortly after 08:30 on April 25, 2026, a single bear (estimated 1.3–1.5 m long) appeared on the grounds of the Matsujuen nursing home in Hamada, Akita City and was observed eating grass behind a glass door. The facility secured windows and doors, closed curtains, and switched the automatic entrance to manual operation to protect residents.

Akita, Akita

Found while on a walk. It was playing on the swing.

Akita Arayatorikimachi, Akita

On April 25, 2026, a single bear was filmed eating grass inside the grounds of a nursing home in Akita City, seen through a glass door. Employees reported being frightened.

Akita Sanno, Akita

I was walking in the forest near the parking lot fence. Probably a cub.

Akita Arayatorikimachi, Akita

Around 11:40 on April 24, 2026, one bear was filmed running through a rice paddy in Kisakata Town, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. The filmer said they were in a car heading from near Mototaki toward the Kisakata interchange when the bear crossed the road and went from the paddy back into the mountain.

Nikaho 田の神, Akita

At around 11:00 AM, a resident spotted an Asiatic black bear (about 1.5 m in length) within the settlement. The direction it left afterward is unknown.

Kamikoani Okitaomote, Akita

At around 10:00 a.m., several facility staff and others spotted one Asiatic black bear (about 1 meter in body length) near the communal lodging and exchange facility “Coanity” and the Kamikoani Nursery School. The bear later moved south.

Kamikoani Fukudate, Akita

At around 9:50 a.m., staff of Kamikoani Elementary and Junior High School sighted a single Asiatic black bear (about 1 meter in body length) near the village cemetery area close to the school. The direction in which it subsequently left is unknown.

Kamikoani Fukudate, Akita

One bear sighted on the road west of Hongyo-ji Temple. Body length 1.5 m. Departed to the north. 10 m from a house.

Akita, Akita

At around 07:40 on the 24th, a man driving a car spotted a bear about 1.5 meters long on a city road in Shimohama Nagahama Arazato-ya, Akita City. According to the Akita Central Police, the nearest house was about 10 meters away, and the police are urging residents to be cautious.

Akita, Akita

Walked toward the rice fields. Thought to be a cub.

Akita Niida-Konakajima, Akita

[Posted] Near the university

Yurihonjō Kawaguchi, Akita

Observed one bear about 0.8 m tall on residential property. Direction of departure unknown. 5.0 m from a house.

Akita, Akita

I was watching the meteor shower when I heard a rustling from the drainage ditch. A large black bear ran by, and what looked like a cub followed. I was startled and called out, and the bear turned and looked back at us. Then it ran off to the south. It appeared to have crossed the road, and it’s possible it’s hiding on someone’s property. Be cautious of your surroundings when going toward the rice fields.

Akita Narayama-Jonanshinmachi, Akita

A bear-like animal was sighted. One bear about 1 m. It moved toward Senshu Park. About 40 m from nearby buildings.

Akita Senshu-kitanomaru, Akita

At around 18:50 on April 22, 2026, a man in his 30s spotted a bear about 1 meter long on a stone wall in Senshu Park in central Akita City. Police arrived but the bear had already disappeared; Meitoku Elementary School was about 40 meters away, and the Akita Central Police urged nearby residents and schools to be cautious.

Akita Senshu-kubotamachi, Akita

On April 22, 2026, one bear was sighted in central Akita City, Akita Prefecture. The bear was reported near Meitoku Elementary School and moved off toward Senshu Park.

Akita, Akita

A bear was sighted on the road on the west side of Akita Technical High School's ground. Body length 1.0 m. It left heading west. 30 m from the school ground.

Akita Senshu-kitanomaru, Akita

At around 14:15 on April 21, 2026, a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted on the west side of the Akita Technical High School ground in Hodono Hatcho, Akita City. The witness was a female student (middle-school-aged/teen), the bear then moved toward a residential area, and police have been patrolling the area and issuing warnings.

Akita Izumihigashimachi, Akita

In Akita Prefecture a police officer was reported injured after being attacked by a bear, and a woman's body was found nearby. Sightings of so‑called "spring bears" have surged after hibernation: as of 21 April at 21:00 there were about 200 reports in the prefecture, and experts say bears are waking earlier and many individuals are larger than usual.

Akita Sanno, Akita

[Post] Spotted a bear about 0.8 m tall in the grove in front of the apartment

Akita Arayaokawamachi, Akita

[Post] Found scattered droppings every 5 meters along the village path.

Akita Arayahiyoshimachi, Akita

Body length: approximately 1.0 m; Distance to houses: approximately 800 m

Yurihonjō, Akita

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Yurihonjō 山田, Akita

[Post] Footprints Found

Akita Arayayutakamachi, Akita

Spotted a bear about 0.8 m in size in the woods. It then moved further into the forest; direction of travel unknown. 100 m from buildings.

Akita, Akita

[Post] There were bear-like footprints in the field

Akita Arayahiyoshimachi, Akita

Witnessed a bear in a vacant lot. Size unknown. It left heading north. About 5 meters from a residence.

Akita Niida-Midoricho, Akita

In a residential area of Ushijima Higashi, Akita City, a security camera recorded a bear running across the road at around 05:42 on April 19; about 15 seconds later a pedestrian appeared, creating a near-collision situation. Sightings have increased across the prefecture in April, but no human injuries have been reported so far.

Akita Narayama-Jonanmachi, Akita

On April 19, 2026 at around 05:40, a security camera at a residence in Ushijima Higashi, Akita City captured footage of a bear about 1 meter long walking through a residential area. The same day, a man walking near JR Ugo-Ushijima Station also spotted the bear, and police have urged caution in the Ushijima Higashi area.

Akita Ushijimahigashi 5-chome, Akita

Sighted a bear approximately 0.5 m in size on the road. It left heading north. 5 m from a residence.

Akita Ushijimahigashi 5-chome, Akita

[Post] Entered the parking area of a residence

Akita Osumi 1-chome, Akita

Sighted a bear approximately 1.0 m in size on the road. It departed southeast. 5 m from a house.

Akita Osumi 1-chome, Akita

[Report] Ran through the intersection heading toward the Akita Bank Oroshimachi branch

Akita Barajima 7-chome, Akita

A bear was sighted on the road. Size approximately 1.0 m. It moved off toward the south. 3 m from a house.

Akita Arayamotomachi, Akita

[Report] Came out from near the apartment parking lot, walked to partway along the sidewalk, then turned back into the bushes.

Akita, Akita

It ran from the riverside toward the residential area.

Akita Barajima 6-chome, Akita

Witnessed a bear moving north from the riverbed area while driving on the road. Size approximately 1.0 m. 30 m from houses.

Akita Barajima 7-chome, Akita

It ran out from the apartment parking lot onto the road, ran in front of my car, and went into the former Jujo Golf Practice Range site.

Akita Arayaokawamachi, Akita

Sighted a bear on the road. Size about 0.8 m. It then walked off to the east. 10 m from a house.

Akita Arayaokawamachi, Akita

Spotted a bear approximately 1.5 m in size on the roadway. It then moved east. 5 meters from a residence.

Akita Arayamotomachi, Akita

Akita Arayakuritamachi, Akita

Posted: It was captured on the security camera.

Akita Arayamotomachi, Akita

Observed a bear moving from the southwest to the northwest within the residence. Size about 1.5 m. 3 m from a dwelling.

Akita Arayakuritamachi, Akita

Post: Police were broadcasting and going around telling people to refrain from going outside because a bear had appeared.

Akita Arayamotomachi, Akita

It came walking from the direction of the FamilyMart and went into the grassy area.

Akita Arayahiyoshimachi, Akita

On the evening of April 18, 2026, a home security camera in Akitashi, Arayamotomachi recorded a bear about 1 meter long walking on the property. Sightings were reported nearby and the filmer submitted the information to the prefectural bear information map (Kuma-das).

Akita Arayamotomachi, Akita

While passing through the area, a person sighted one cub.

Tainai 松波, Niigata

While driving on the national highway, I observed one bear crossing the road from west to east. Size approximately 1.0 m. 50 m from a building.

Akita, Akita

While driving, a bear about 1 m in total length was spotted walking on the sidewalk. It then walked into the bushes.

Akita, Akita

A 70 cm bear was sighted on the road. It then left heading north. 10 m from a building.

Akita, Akita

A bear approximately 1.0 m in size was sighted on the road. It then left heading north. 10 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

A 1.0-m bear was sighted in the facility parking lot. It moved off toward the brush on the south side. It was 10 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

Observed one bear approximately 80 cm in size alongside the road. Direction of departure unknown. 250 m from a building.

Akita, Akita

(Report) About 1 meter long. Crossed the road and entered the brush.

Akita, Akita

While heading toward Route 7, it crossed the road from left to right.

Akita, Akita

Around 06:00 on 2026-04-16, one bear (about 1 meter long, believed to be an adult) was sighted near the municipal funeral hall in Hamana, Sakata City, Yamagata. In the same area, about 50 kg of nearly-harvested strawberries were found eaten in a Shiritaka (十里塚) greenhouse on the 12th, and about 7 kg were eaten in a Sakanobe Shinden greenhouse on the morning of the 16th; the city has set box traps and installed electric fences and sensor cameras as countermeasures.

Sakata 浜中, Yamagata

Observed from inside a car, illuminated by headlights. It ran away when the horn was sounded.

Akita Arayaokawamachi, Akita

At around 16:55 on April 15, 2026, one bear was sighted in Hamanaka, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. The article reports only the sighting time and location and provides no further details.

Sakata 浜中, Yamagata

[Post]

Akita, Akita

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Yurihonjō 梵天谷地, Akita

One bear approximately 1 m in size was sighted on the road in front of the house. The bear left the road heading south. The distance to the nearest house was about 5 m.

Akita Arayahinaimachi, Akita

At around 17:40 on April 14, a 60-year-old woman at home saw a bear about 1 meter long on a road in Akitashi Araya Hinai-machi through her window. The bear was about 5 meters from a house; police patrolled the area by patrol car and contacted relevant agencies, and the prefecture issued a Asiatic black bear (Tsukinowaguma) sighting alert urging caution.

Akita Arayahinaimachi, Akita

Shortly before 17:00 on April 14, a bear was reported sighted in the Trim no Mori area of the Municipal General Sports Park in Tsukioka 4, Sanjo City. The bear's body length was unknown and the report was made to the Sanjo police station.

Sanjo 月岡四丁目, Niigata

A bear was sighted moving among the trees deep in the Trim Forest. Body length unknown. It then left into the mountains.

Sanjo 月岡, Niigata