News 2 Black Bears Kitashiobara, Fukushima Apr 16, 2026, 05:00 AM

Description

Around 14:00 on April 16, a person driving on National Route 459 in Kenogamine, Hibara, Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture, sighted one bear about 50 cm long. The bear left for the woods afterward; no damage has been reported, and police together with the village office are urging residents to be cautious (the area was also reported to have a sighting on the morning of the 15th, indicating two consecutive days of appearances).

Note: Official sources provide information in Japanese only. This description has been machine translated for your convenience.

Summary

A bear about 50 cm long was spotted from a vehicle on National Route 459 in the Kenogamine area of Kitashiobara Village (Urabandai) around 14:00 on April 16. The animal retreated into the woods and no damage has been reported. Authorities, noting a sighting in the same area on the morning of the 15th, are urging residents to remain cautious.

Bear Type

Black Bear

Number of Bears

2

Provider Type

News

Date & Time

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 05:00 AM

Address

Coordinates

37.663004, 140.076376

Sources