Location
Description
In May 2026, bear sightings increased in Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture; 15 sightings were reported in the town center by May 19, five times the three sightings in the same period last year. The municipality urged residents not to leave food waste or crops outdoors, and decided not to apply emergency shooting because the bear(s) did not remain in one place, raising safety concerns.
Note: Official sources provide information in Japanese only. This description has been machine translated for your convenience.
Summary
In May, bear sightings surged in Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture, with 15 reports in the town center by May 19 — five times the number from the same period last year. Authorities urged residents not to leave food waste or crops outdoors and declined to authorize emergency shooting because the bears were not staying in one place, making safety assurance difficult.
Bear Type
Black Bear
Number of Bears
2
Provider Type
News
Date & Time
Monday, May 18, 2026 at 03:00 PM
Address
Ibigawa 極楽寺, Gifu
Coordinates
35.487339, 136.568711
Related Areas
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