News 3 Black Bears Otsuchi Kirikiri, Iwate May 7, 2026, 12:45 AM

Description

At the contained large forest fire in Otsuchi Town, firefighters resumed extinguishing a heat source on May 7, 2026, located on the seaward side of the town road Rias Scenic Line in the Kirikiri district; personnel entered the mountain with members of the hunters' association around 09:45, with an infrared camera-equipped helicopter providing aerial backup. A helicopter survey on the 6th had confirmed at least three bears, so ground operations were suspended on the 6th and aerial firefighting was used.

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

Summary

In Otsuchi Town, firefighters resumed ground extinguishing of a heat source on May 7 after bears were spotted nearby. A helicopter survey the previous day confirmed at least three bears, so ground operations had been suspended on the 6th and aerial firefighting was used; this time crews entered with hunters and received infrared helicopter support.

Bear Type

Black Bear

Number of Bears

3

Provider Type

News

Date & Time

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 12:45 AM

Address

Coordinates

39.368749, 141.942988

Sources