Tateyama~Aomori 드라이브 루트

Condition: 1 m Distance from dwellings: 100 m

Yurihonjō Utetsu, Akita

Sighted near Mutsumi Landscaping and Civil Engineering

Katagami, Akita

[Post] It was on the road while heading from Sannō toward the station. It was near a daycare center.

Akita Hodono-Torimachi, Akita

It was a cub about 5–60 cm. It was walking along, but when I rang the bear bell I had, it ran off toward the station.

Akita, Akita

[Post] A limping bear climbed up the hill behind the houses.

Akita Izumikamanomachi, Akita

[Post] A young bear about 50 cm crossed the road.

Akita Hodono-Nakacho, Akita

One bear (1.5 m) sighted near the highway interchange

Hachirogata Kawasaki, Akita

I saw a black object larger than a dog. It went into the trees near a house. Its movements were fairly slow, and it appeared to have a problem with its right leg.

Akita, Akita

[Report] A young bear was in the rental parking lot next to the 7-Eleven.

Akita Hodono-Torimachi, Akita

Sighted behind a shop on Torimachi Street.

Akita Hodono-Nakacho, Akita

A cub was on the riverbank's edge.

Akita Omachi, Akita

[Post] There was something like a bear in the company's grove. I was too scared to look properly, but it was not a dog. Bigger than a dog, about just under 1 meter.

Akita Hodono-Nakacho, Akita

[Post] I went to clean the trash area and saw something like a bear in the park at the back, got scared and ran away. It climbed over the fence toward the Leopalace side and disappeared. It had an injured leg.

Akita, Akita

[Report] During pick-up/drop-off, it was at the corner of the house. It looked like a bear with bad legs. Body length about 1 m.

Akita, Akita

A single juvenile bear was in the shrine grounds. About 70–90 cm tall. Not as tall as 1 m. It was in the shrubbery at the edge of the wooded area, then walked eastward.

Akita Omachi, Akita

One bear about 100 centimeters in body length was sighted 400 meters west of the Shimoaono Community Hall in the Ao-no area.

Joetsu, Niigata

At around 11:20 on May 19, a single bear approximately 100 cm long was sighted about 400 m west of Shimo-Aono Kaikan in Aono, Joetsu City, and a report was made to the city hall. Joetsu Police and the city are urging local residents to be cautious.

Joetsu, Niigata

[Post] While riding on the bicycle path I saw a black object at the roadside. It was limping on its right leg. A bear from the day before yesterday?

Akita, Akita

Observed one bear. Body length approximately 1.0 m. It went toward the mountains to the south.

Nikaho Hirasawa, Akita

Around 11:00 on May 19, 2026, a teenage man riding a bicycle spotted a bear about 1 meter long on the premises of a business in Hirasawa Sakaida, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. According to the Yurihonjo Police, the nearest house is about 150 meters away and the police have warned residents to be cautious.

Nikaho Hirasawa, Akita

[Report] A bear cub was walking along the river. It walked in the direction of Chiaki (Senkyu) Park.

Akita Hodono-Nakacho, Akita

Posting: Eating something in the same spot. I’ve seen it every time I go for the past two or three days.

Akita, Akita

[Post] On the way back from fishing I found something like a bear in the grass. I think its body length was about 70 cm. When I honked the horn it ran away.

Akita Omachi, Akita

Body length: approx. 0.7 m. Distance to dwelling: approx. 1.0 m. Went away toward the mountains.

Yurihonjō 岩城下蛇田, Akita

Posted: It was on the roadside along the rice fields. When I honked the car horn, it ran off toward the mountains.

Yurihonjō Ushidera, Akita

Posted: Near the university

Yurihonjō Kawaguchi, Akita

One bear was sighted in a rice paddy 50 m south of Takara (Tamakawa?) Community Center. Direction of departure unknown.

Akita, Akita

On the way back from the Kawabata area, I saw one young bear. Its body length was about 70–80 centimeters. It was alone in an open space that looked like a parking lot.

Akita Omachi, Akita

In the early morning of May 19, 2026, a roughly 70-cm bear was sighted in front of Neburi Nagashi-kan in Omachi, Akita City at about 02:30. At 09:50 a similarly sized bear-like animal was seen near a nearby parking lot. Subsequent sightings were reported along the river, at a shrine, and near a supermarket, and authorities say the bear may still be in the area.

Akita Hodono-Nakacho, Akita

One bear about 1.5 m long was seen crossing the prefectural road from south to north.

Kitaakita Shimosugi, Akita

There was a bear in a rice paddy. I saw it from a distance from the road; it was relatively large. It seemed to be walking slowly.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed a bear running north along a path through the rice fields.

Nikaho Kurokawa, Akita

One bear about 1 m long was observed crossing a municipal road from the rice fields on the south side toward the Nikaho area.

Nikaho Kurokawa, Akita

It ran from the rice-field ridge, crossed the road, and ran into the rice field on the opposite side.

Akita, Akita

The bear was running and wandering along the sidewalk beside the airport road. It crossed from the Honda side to the Shibano side.

Akita, Akita

[Report] I was driving slowly north along the field ridge that runs parallel to the road between the airport road and two rice paddies.

Akita, Akita

(Post) Crossed the Nihonkai Tohoku Road heading toward the sea.

Nikaho Konoura, Akita

A member of the public traveling on a city road sighted one bear (body length unknown) in the bushes / direction of movement unknown / 250 m west of Hokuyo Junior High School.

Odate, Akita

Post: Body length about 1.2 m. In broad daylight on a hill area. From the south-side woods heading toward residential area. Dangerous due to school commute time.

Akita, Akita

While driving on the prefectural road toward the hospital area, I spotted one bear crossing. Body length about 1 m.

Nikaho, Akita

[Post] While walking from Izumi-Sotoasahikawa Station I saw a black moving object. Larger than a dog, about 1.2 m. It looked like its front leg was injured.

Akita, Akita

Around 04:20 on May 18, a black bear about 1.2 meters long was sighted near JR Izumigaoka-Akihikawa Station in Sotoasahikawa, Akita City; it appeared to have an injured front paw. On May 17 in the same area, a bear believed to have an injured front paw entered a private property, and police responded by setting off firecrackers.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed leaving the road heading north while in motion. Body length 1 m. 10–20 m to buildings.

Akita, Akita

[Report] While walking, I saw a bear moving from the mountain toward the Seria area. It appeared to be dragging one of its legs as if injured. It might be the same individual as the one seen around 5 p.m.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed crossing the road toward the mega-solar (solar power) site. Body length about 1 m.

Nikaho Tazukami, Akita

At around 17:45 on May 17, one bear was sighted on the grounds of a private home in Gaikasugawa, Sango-dena, Akita City. The Akita Rinko Police Station has not confirmed whether the bear left and is continuing to monitor the area, saying the bear may still be on the property.

Akita, Akita

[Report] Passing through Sotoasahikawa Anpasu. Came out in front of a car, went through the irrigation channel behind Maruhan Sotoasahikawa, crossed from Akigin Sotoasahikawa branch toward the dentist opposite, entered the grounds of the house behind the dentist, and is believed to still be on that property. Appears to have an injured right front leg and was limping while running. Body length about 1.2 m.

Akita, Akita

Crossed the road toward the north side (the wholesale market side). Body length about 1.2 meters.

Akita, Akita

Posted: Walked along what looked like a waterway/irrigation canal next to the currency exchange

Akita, Akita

Post: About 80 cm. Right front paw injured.

Akita, Akita

Crossed from the southwest to the northeast side of the intersection. Body length 1 m. 10 m from a building.

Akita, Akita

[Post]

Akita, Akita

It was limping, about 1 meter.

Akita, Akita

Observed one bear approximately 1 m tall in the field.

Nikaho Innai, Akita

[Post] A bear crossed the new national road near Kusautsugawa.

Akita, Akita

While resting at the bottom of the stairs, I spotted a bear about 1 meter tall.

Nikaho, Akita

A cub was walking

Nikaho, Akita

It came out from the farm road and went down the slope toward the Omono River.

Akita, Akita

Length: Unknown Distance to nearest house: Approximately 80 m Departed toward the mountain woods to the north

Yurihonjō, Akita

A police officer driving by witnessed it running across the road from west to east. Body length 1 m. 5 meters from a private house.

Akita Terauchi-Koya, Akita

One adult bear sighted on a trail running course in the Yoko-o area of Asahi Town (in the forested area).

Asahi, Toyama

[Report] Passed across the garden embankment from west to east. Body length about 1 meter from snout to tail. Caution needed as this was in a residential area.

Akita Terauchi-Ohata, Akita

Witnessed by visitors at Gokoku Shrine. Left toward the east side of the shrine. Body length 1.5 m. Distance from buildings unknown.

Akita Terauchi-Ohata, Akita

At around 13:15 on the 17th, a man visiting the prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Terauchi Ohata, Akita City, saw a bear approximately 1.5 meters long. The bear moved eastward, was about 20 meters from the nearest building, and the Akita Rinko Police are patrolling the area by patrol car and warning residents.

Akita Terauchi-Ohata, Akita

[Post]

Akita Terauchi-Ohata, Akita

[Post]

Akita Terauchi-Yakeyama, Akita

Posted: Spotted from my house. Walked through the rice fields and disappeared into the mountains. It was some distance away, so the size was unknown.

Akita, Akita

[Report] While walking on the nature observation park’s boardwalk, I saw a bear in the brush at the forest edge about 50 meters away. It noticed me and went into the woods.

Gojome 富津内下山内, Akita

Several marathon runners who were participating in the ongoing event were sighted

Kashiwazaki, Niigata

On May 17, 2026, one bear was sighted around 10:00 AM on the course along Prefectural Route 73 Kujiranami-Miyakawa Line in Okouchi Nitta, Kashiwazaki City, and the organizers suspended the 26th Kashiwazaki Shiokaze Marathon at 12:15 PM. No injuries were reported.

Kashiwazaki, Niigata

On May 17, multiple runners reported seeing a bear at a water station set up in a mountainous part of the Kashiwazaki Sea Breeze Marathon, and the race organizers halted the event at noon for safety. The city and the hunters' association searched the area but found no bear or traces; the footprints at the scene were judged likely to be from a wild boar.

Kashiwazaki, Niigata

This morning at around 10:00, a report was received that one bear was sighted along Prefectural Route 73 (Kujiranami-Miyagawa Line) in the Okochi Shinden area. ※As an aside, because of this the marathon (Shiokaze Marathon) was canceled. https://www.city.kashiwazaki.lg.jp/cgi-bin/smart_alert.php/1/detail/1193943 (The input screen overlaps with the keyboard, so I can’t paste the link there.)

Kashiwazaki 大字大河内新田, Niigata

A single bear cub crossed the city road toward the mountains.

Nikaho Maesawa, Akita

A single bear is believed to be holed up inside the Cross Tower A-Bay building in Aomori City. Police and members of a hunters' association are surrounding the site and conducting capture operations, and a box trap has been brought in.

Aomori Uramachi, Aomori

A bear was spotted on the course of the Kashiwazaki Seaside Marathon, and the race was halted on May 17, 2026. Runners located before the sighting point were boarded onto buses and evacuated.

Kashiwazaki, Niigata

Around 21:30 on May 16, 2026, a parent-and-offspring group of three bears of unspecified length was sighted on Nitto Road in Yamabesato, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture; the group was about 200 meters from residences, according to the Murakami police.

Murakami, Niigata

Distance to the house: 200 m Body length: about 1 m Moved toward the sea

Yurihonjō, Akita

(Posted) It was in the tall grass and ran toward the mountains.

Akita, Akita

One bear about 1.0 m in length was sighted in the rice field south of Takara River Community Center. It departed heading south from there. It was 150 m from the community center.

Akita, Akita

Driver sighted one bear (body length 1.0 m) / direction of travel: southwest / approximately 20 m to the nearest facility

Odate Ikenai, Akita

Bear tracks were found near a house in the Terao area.

Murakami, Niigata

I saw a 60 cm-long bear dash across a farm road and enter the brush at the edge of the mountain.

Gojome 馬場目, Akita

[Post] A machine-like device (a device that plays dog barks to deter bears) was making a lot of noise. When I went to check, there was a bear wandering around the area.

Akita, Akita

Observed during a walk. It went up toward the cemetery park.

Akita, Akita

It crossed the road.

Akita, Akita

Nagaoka City installed drum-can style capture traps at dozens of locations in the city from May through June, placing honey inside as bait. Previously traps were set near reported sightings, but this year they will also be placed in mountain areas without sighting reports to prevent bears from entering inhabited areas.

Nagaoka, Niigata

Observed one animal believed to be a bear.

Tateyama, Toyama

On May 15, 2026 at around 15:30, an adult male Asian black bear (approx. 110 cm long, estimated 3 years old, about 100 kg) entered the CROSS TOWER A-BAY commercial complex in Nagashima 1-chome, Aomori City and remained inside for several hours. City staff and hunter association members set box traps and maintained a perimeter; at around 18:10 the bear was shot and killed under an emergency culling decision by the municipality, and there were no injuries.

Aomori Uramachi, Aomori

On 2026-05-15 a single bear entered a commercial complex building in central Aomori City and remained inside. Police and hunters responded, and the bear was culled inside the building shortly after 18:00.

Aomori Nishitaki, Aomori

At least one cub (young bear) entered inside.

Aomori Nagashima 1-chome, Aomori

Around 15:30 on the 15th, a juvenile bear was sighted entering a mixed commercial facility (including a hotel) in Nagashima, Aomori City, and is believed to be holed up inside. Police, city officials and members of the hunters' association have gathered at the scene.

Aomori Ono, Aomori

At around 15:30 on May 15, 2026, a bear entered the first floor of a building in Nagashima 1-chome, Aomori City, prompting people inside to evacuate to upper floors. Police and government hunters carried out an emergency shooting and culled one adult male bear about 1 meter long.

Aomori Ono, Aomori

A bear is believed to be occupying the first floor of a mixed-use commercial building in central Aomori City, leaving more than 10 people (patrons of a pharmacy and a hotel) trapped. A bear was also sighted at a parking lot about 300 meters away around the same time, possibly a different individual, and Aomori City is considering emergency shooting to eliminate the very high risk of human injury.

Aomori Nishitaki, Aomori

On the afternoon of May 15, 2026, a bear entered the Cross Tower A-Bay commercial complex (Nagasima 1-chome) in central Aomori City and remained inside for several hours. Police cordoned off the area and set box traps; around 18:10 local hunters fired and killed one bear. Multiple sightings were reported across the city that day, and a bear was also seen about 300 meters away in a parking lot, possibly a different individual.

Aomori Uramachi, Aomori

A sighting report was posted to Aomori Prefecture's bear log.

Aomori Nagashima 1-chome, Aomori

A bear holed up in the Cross Tower A-Bay in central Aomori City, people stranded on upper floors According to Aomori City and the police, at around 3:30 p.m. today a single bear was sighted in Nagashima, Aomori City. The scene is the Cross Tower A-Bay, and at least one cub is said to have entered the building. The bear is still believed to be holed up inside.

Aomori Nagashima 1-chome, Aomori

Spotted a bear in the rice field. Body length about 60 cm. It left to the south. Approximately 250 m from nearby houses.

Akita, Akita

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

[Post]

Kitaakita Kamisugi, Akita

While driving on National Route 7, I witnessed one bear crossing from the seaside toward the mountains. Its body length was about 1 meter.

Nikaho Mitsumori, Akita

A bear was sighted near an elementary school in Miyano-ura, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture at around 05:30 on May 15, 2026, triggering multiple reports. Surveillance cameras captured the bear walking near a residential area, and authorities remain on alert.

Sakata 宮野浦, Yamagata

There were repeated bear sightings from the night of the 14th into the early morning of the 15th near Aomori Prefectural Museum, the Sannai-Maruyama ruins, and the Nami-date Maeda residential area in Aomori City. Around 05:00 near Nagashima Elementary School, one bear of unknown length was seen moving west; the school asked parents to pick up children or keep them home for remote lessons, and the city patrolled the area.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

Around 05:00 on May 15, a single bear of unknown length was sighted in Nagashima, Aomori City, moving west from near Nagashima Elementary School and running along the national road from Hirota Shrine toward the Yanagi-cho intersection. No damage has been reported, and city staff and police are patrolling the area to maintain vigilance.

Aomori Ono, Aomori

On May 15 between about 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., multiple sightings of an Asian black bear (tsukinowaguma) were reported near the Aomori Prefectural Office in Aomori City. The city has warned residents via social media and is maintaining vigilance while considering emergency shooting operations.

Aomori Ono, Aomori

One bear approximately 1 m (shoulder height) was sighted on the roadway. It left heading east. About 30 m from nearby buildings.

Akita, Akita

Before 21:00 on May 14, 2026, a roughly 1-meter-long bear was seen entering a residential property in Aomori City's Nami-dachi Maeda area. Sightings also occurred at a convenience store parking lot, in the Nami-dachi area, and in the Nagashima area near the prefectural office; the city has set up a response headquarters and is considering switching to emergency shooting.

Aomori Namidate, Aomori

At around 19:50 on May 14, 2026, a single cub was sighted on the grounds of a convenience store in Satomi, Aomori City. No damage was reported, and the city urged nearby residents and passersby to be cautious.

Aomori Namidate, Aomori

It was night so I couldn't see clearly, but a large dark mass ran off toward the mountains.

Yurihonjō Ishiwaki, Akita

Around 19:00 on May 14, 2026, a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted in Gobommatsu Hirano, Namioka, Aomori City, crossing Prefectural Road No. 27 (Aomori-Namioka Line) from south to north. No damage was reported.

Aomori, Aomori

Shortly after 19:00 on May 14, bears were repeatedly sighted at locations including a convenience store parking lot in Satomi and residential streets in Nami-date Maeda in Aomori City. No damage was reported; city staff and police were patrolling the area as of 23:00, and officials warned residents and passersby to be cautious.

Aomori Namidate, Aomori

Sighted one bear

Itoigawa, Niigata

A bear about one meter long came down the mountain slope.

Akita, Akita

In Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture, near the scene where an 86-year-old man was attacked by a bear and injured, a woman in her 60s also sustained injuries believed to have been caused by a bear. The woman went on her own to a hospital in the prefecture.

Tateyama, Toyama

A young bear was crossing the road.

Akita, Akita

[Post] In a fallow rice field, one adult and two cubs were eating something.

Akita, Akita

Before 8:00 a.m. today, one Asiatic black bear (Tsukinowaguma) was sighted near the prefectural art museum and the Sannai-Maruyama ruins in Aomori City. City staff and the hunters' association inspected the site but found no tracks or other traces; the Sannai-Maruyama ruins have posted notices to inform visitors of the sighting and warn them to be cautious.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

On the morning of May 14, 2026, multiple bear sightings were reported around the Nice Arena area in Ishiwaki, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. Sightings were also reported on the 13th; a bear was seen swimming in the Koyoshi River, and the prefectural police have warned residents to be cautious.

Yurihonjō 北裏地, Akita

Before 8:00 AM, a report was received of a bear sighting near the Prefectural Museum and the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site. City staff and the hunters' association patrolled the Sannai Maruyama site but found no traces such as bear footprints. The site has posted notices to inform visitors of the sighting and warn them to be cautious.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

At 7:30 AM on May 14, 2026, one bear was sighted near the Prefectural Art Museum in Yasuda, Aomori City, the city reported. No other reports of damage were mentioned.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

At 7:30 AM on May 14, 2026, the city announced that one bear was sighted near the Aomori Prefectural Museum in Yasuda, Aomori City.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

Around 7:30 a.m. on May 14, 2026, one Asian black bear (tsukinowaguma) was sighted between the Prefectural Art Museum and the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site in Yasuda, Aomori City. No injuries or damage were reported.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

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

Yurihonjō 片町, Akita

On the morning of the 14th, one bear was sighted on a road near the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site in Aomori City, and police conducted patrols. The center that manages the site has urged visitors to be cautious of bears.

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

Body length: approximately 1 m Distance to houses: approximately 100 m

Yurihonjō 観音町, Akita

At around 06:45 on May 14, 2026, a single bear was sighted crossing a road from west to east in front of the Tsuruoka City Fire Department West Branch in Shimokawa, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The bear's body length is unknown, and the city has urged people to be cautious.

Tsuruoka 下川, Yamagata

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

Yurihonjō 北裏地, Akita

[Post] Sighted from a distance while on a walk

Yurihonjō 北裏地, Akita

[Report] Inside Shoto Park: an adult bear about 1 m (in size)

Yurihonjō 北裏地, Akita

At around 05:15 on May 14, 2026, a man in his 30s walking in a park at Ishiwaki Aza Ishinohana, Yurihonjo City, spotted a bear about 1 meter long. There were also sighting reports in the same area on the 13th, and the prefectural police have warned residents to be cautious.

Yurihonjō 北裏地, Akita

At around 04:14 on May 14, 2026, a single Asiatic black bear (about 1 meter long) was sighted on a farm road in Yamamoto, Takehana, Kuroishi City; the location is roughly 200 meters northeast of the Tohoku Expressway Takadate PA (upbound), and the bear fled toward the highway. No damage was reported.

Kuroishi 大字竹鼻, Aomori

A bear was in the parking space of a shop. After that, it went up the slope that leads to the park on top of the mountain.

Akita, Akita

According to Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture, near the scene where an 86-year-old man was attacked by a bear, a woman in her 60s also suffered injuries believed to have been caused by a bear. The woman went to a hospital in the prefecture on her own.

Tateyama, Toyama

At Kenmin Seikyo Ayamekan in Sannai, Aomori City, the automatic entrance doors were switched to manual on May 14, 2026, following bear sightings. The store plans to install doorknobs and has placed bear-prevention goods inside to prepare for possible incidents.

Aomori Namidate, Aomori

A black bear (Tsukinowaguma) approached a camera in the mountain area of Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, with a beehive reported nearby. An adult bear was also confirmed on the Iwate University campus (Morioka City decided not to carry out emergency shooting and the university canceled all classes), and another individual appeared in a residential area in New Jersey, USA.

Joetsu, Niigata

One bear, about 1.0 m. Distance to residences: approximately 200 m. Sighted in Ishiwaki Park ground.

Yurihonjō 巣組, Akita

Bear body length: 1.0 m. Fled from west to east.

Yurihonjō 日役町, Akita

[Report] A bear (1 m) crossed the rice field and climbed the mountain to the north along the farm road.

Akita, Akita

A driver traveling on National Route 7 observed one bear (body length 1 m) in a rice field / direction of travel unknown / 100 m from the nearest residence

Odate Nagasaka, Akita

Around 17:00 on May 13, 2026, a camera captured a bear walking on a road near houses in Iimoriyama, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. No human injuries have been reported, but the prefecture has issued a bear sighting warning and residents are anxious.

Sakata 十里塚, Yamagata

While driving on the outbound lane of the expressway, it crossed from the inbound lane toward the sea side and ran up into the mountains.

Akita, Akita

1 bear, approximately 1.0 m

Yurihonjō Ishiwaki, Akita

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

A cub was discovered in the woods at the back (rear of the property).

Aomori Sannai, Aomori

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

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Hongo, Akita

[Post] Strolling through a fallow rice field

Akita, Akita

A bear (1 m) was sighted near a residential property. It then left toward the woods to the east. Distance to the house: 5 m.

Akita, Akita

Near the Michi-no-Eki Namioka Apple Hill in Namioka, Aomori City, a black bear about 1 meter long was sighted moving on the road before 7:00 AM, and subsequent reports said bears were seen behind a supermarket and in residential yards. The prefecture has issued a prefecture-wide Asiatic black bear warning, and a separate bear was captured near a residence in Kuroishi City the previous day.

Aomori, Aomori

On May 13, 2026, between 06:55 and 07:50, four bears were sighted in Aomori City's Namioka area. Sightings occurred near the Michi-no-Eki Namioka Apple Hill (on a national road), a road in Namioaka Sugisawa Kamifukuda, behind The Big Namioka store, and a path beside a residential garden in Inoue; several bears were about 1 meter long and no damage was reported.

Aomori, Aomori

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

In Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, a female bear approximately 1 meter long and estimated to be 3–4 years old was captured in a box trap. The trap was set after pinpointing the bear's rough den location following repeated sightings; it may be the same individual that collided with a car, but authorities remain cautious in case it is a different bear.

Kuroishi 大字市ノ町, Aomori

[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

A young bear was sighted near the field. It then walked away into the woods to the east. It was 5 meters from a house.

Akita, Akita

On May 12, 2026, a female Asiatic black bear was captured in a box trap in Higashinotezo, Kuroishi City, Aomori. It measured about 1.0 m, weighed about 60 kg, is estimated to be 3–4 years old with no history of giving birth, and was confirmed by city staff at 08:30.

Kuroishi 大字東野添, Aomori

[Report] Footprints crossing the road from the east

Kosaka, Akita

A passerby sighted one bear (body length 1.0 m) crossing the road from east to west and leaving the area.

Odate Yachimachi-ushiro, Akita

On May 12 in Higashinozoe, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, one Asiatic black bear was captured in a box trap. The captured bear was a female about 1 meter long and weighing about 60 kg, estimated to be 3–4 years old with no history of giving birth. This was the first capture in the city this year.

Kuroishi 大字東野添, Aomori

It was sprinting through the field.

Akita, Akita

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

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 18:00 on May 11, one Asiatic black bear (tsukinowaguma) was sighted beside a guardrail along Route 7 in Tsurugasaka, Aomori City. No damage was reported, and the city is urging nearby residents and passersby to be cautious.

Aomori Tsurugasaka, Aomori

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

A passerby sighted one bear (body length approx. 1.0 m) / direction of travel: north / about 300 m south of Shimokawa River Middle School

Odate, Akita

[Post]

Akita, Akita

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

Akita, Akita

[Post] Ran from the residential area toward the rice field

Odate Negeto, Akita

At around 13:45 on May 10, the city reported that a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted in an apple orchard east of Yoshinoda Shintameike in the Yoshinoda Nikogesawa area of Namioka, Aomori City.

Aomori, Aomori

While walking my dog, I saw an individual cross the ridge path and enter the forested hill.

Yurihonjō 金山, Akita

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

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Osugo, 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

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

Nikaho Otake, Akita

Spotted a mother bear and cub near rice fields about 300 meters south of Takano Elementary School's playground.

Tateyama, Toyama

On the afternoon of May 9, 2026, a bear was repeatedly sighted in rice fields near Hirakawa City's Osaki-Kidoguchi area and near Hiraga Higashi Elementary School. The municipality authorized an emergency gun hunt, and at around 18:30 hunters killed one adult male Asian black bear (about 1.5 m long, approximately 80 kg). No injuries were reported.

Hirakawa Osaki, Aomori

Shortly after 18:00 on May 9, city staff and members of a hunters' association found one bear in a rice field in Osaki Kidoguchi, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture; the mayor authorized an emergency culling. The hunters fired a shot and the bear—a roughly 1.5-meter adult male—was killed.

Hirakawa Osaki, Aomori

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

Katagami, 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

Bear scat found in a residential garage

Tateyama, Toyama

Driver sighted one bear (body length about 1.0 m) / direction of travel unknown / approximately 300 m west of Odate Police Station

Odate, 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

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

Yurihonjō 古川端, Akita

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

Yurihonjō 古川端, Akita

One bear was sighted in a rice field in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, and was culled by an emergency shooting operation. The incident and response were reported on May 9, 2026, with the sighting/response occurring around 00:54.

Hirakawa Kashiwagimachi, Aomori

A bear was reported sighted in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture. The article does not provide details of the sighting or whether anyone was injured.

Hirakawa Kashiwagimachi, Aomori

[Post]

Akita, Akita

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

Akita Iijima-Bunkyocho, Akita

【Post】

Odate Katayama, Akita

Seen by nearby residents / Direction of movement unknown / About 250 m south of Katsura Sakura High School

Odate, Akita

Odate, Akita

Crossed the road and went toward Katsura/Sakura High School

Odate, Akita

Odate, 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

Body length: approximately 1.8 m. Distance to houses: approximately 120 m. Crossed the road from the rice field and left toward the mountain side.

Yurihonjō 館前, Akita

[Post]

Akita Shimokitate-Samukawa, 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

[Post] Standing by the guardrail on the downhill side of the expressway. Body length approx. 1.0 m.

Akita, 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

A local resident sighted one bear (about 1.0 m in body length) / direction of travel: south / approximately 50 m from the nearest house

Odate, Akita

At around 08:40 on May 8, a man in his 60s working in a field in Nukazawa Nakatani-chi, Tsuzureko, Kitaakita City, spotted a bear about 1.2 meters long. The nearest building was about 10 meters away; the Kitaakita Police patrolled by patrol car and warned residents.

Kitaakita Tsuzureko, Akita

Witnessed one bear about 1 meter long in the grassy area near a railroad crossing. Approximately 60 meters from nearby houses.

Kitaakita, 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

Following a bear sighting at the Komakino archaeological site, the city suspended visits to the site from May 8. There is no set date for reopening and the closure may last through May, while the related facility "Jomon no Manabiya Komakino-kan" remains open as usual.

Aomori Nozawa, Aomori

[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

Posted: Found in the park while walking. Based on its size, it appears to be a cub.

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

A bear about 1 meter long was sighted near Nagasaka River around 14:00 on May 7 in Kamitokawa Tomokawa No.4 (and boundary with No.5) in Kuroishi City. The city is considering installing a box trap; a bear was also seen around 07:10 on May 6 at nearly the same spot, and sightings were reported nearby on May 3 and May 5.

Kuroishi, Aomori

Around midday on May 7, 2026, a visitor at the Komakino ruins in Nozawa, Aomori City, spotted one bear entering the surrounding forest from the observation area. For safety, visits to the ruins were suspended from the afternoon of the same day and the adjacent facility "Komakino no Mori・Donguri no Ie" was temporarily closed; reopening is undecided.

Aomori Nozawa, Aomori

One bear-like animal was sighted near the summit area of the Kanayama Park lift in the Oaza Onuki area.

Joetsu, Niigata

[Post]

Odate Kohakama, Akita

At about 12:55 on May 7, 2026, one Asiatic black bear (tsukinowaguma) was sighted entering the woodland east of the Komakino archaeological site observatory in Nozawa, Aomori City. No injuries or damage were reported; the city has warned nearby residents and passersby to be cautious.

Aomori Nozawa, Aomori

Around noon on May 7 a bear was sighted at the Komakino archaeological site in Aomori City, and viewing of the site has been suspended from the afternoon of the same day. The related exhibition facility, Jomon no Manabiya Komakino, remains open as usual.

Aomori Nozawa, Aomori

Saw it in the grass

Odate Negeto, Akita

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

Akita, Akita

A local resident sighted one bear (body length 1.0 m) / moving south / approximately 150 m from the nearest elementary school

Odate Negeto, Akita

[Post]

Odate Negeto, Akita

While driving on the highway's outbound lane about 2 km from Kawabe JCT toward Daisen City, two bears were observed from a vehicle (1.0 m and 0.7 m). They ran off toward the left embankment.

Akita, Akita

A nearby resident sighted one bear (body length 1.0 m) / moving north / approximately 30 m from the nearest house

Odate Ikenai-michiue, Akita

Walked through the premises

Odate Ikenai-michiue, Akita

Driver sighted one bear (body length 1.5 m) moving west; approximately 10 m from Ken-ei Hagino-dai housing complex.

Odate Ikenai-michiue, Akita

[Report] Crossed national highway — over 1 meter

Odate, Akita

Local resident sighted one bear (body length 1.5 m) / moving west / approximately 80 m from the nearest house

Odate, Akita

Posted: Moving west along the irrigation channel beside the rice fields. Witnessed while driving, so subsequent actions are unknown.

Odate, Akita

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

Katagami, Akita

Before 06:00 on the 7th, a bear about 1.5 meters long was sighted in the mountains of Aomi Miyahanamachi, Itoigawa City, about 100 meters from a residence (Itoigawa police).

Itoigawa, Niigata

Sighted one bear

Itoigawa, Niigata

On May 7, 2026, one bear was sighted within the grounds of the Komakino archaeological site in Nozawa, Aomori City. The Aomori City Board of Education announced on May 8 that visits are suspended, and the reopening date is undecided.

Aomori Nozawa, Aomori

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

On a municipal road in Ikeuchi, Odate City, a woman in her 40s driving a car spotted a bear.

Odate Ikenai, Akita

A man in his 40s was attacked and injured by a bear in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. According to reports, this is the first human injury caused by a bear in the prefecture this year.

Yurihonjō 中竪町, Akita

On May 7, 2026, a bear sighting was reported in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture. The article does not give specific details on the exact location, time, or number of bears.

Itoigawa 中央, Niigata

[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

At around 07:10 on May 6, 2026, a single bear about 1 meter long was sighted near the Nagasaka Riverbed at the boundary between Tomeoka No.4 and No.5 in Kamitogawa, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. After the sighting, the bear moved toward the Aoyama/Takeda-cho area.

Kuroishi 竹田町, Aomori

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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, 2026 at around 01:20, a bear about 1.5 meters long was sighted near a field in the Hakkō area of Kuroishi City. At around 04:20, another bear of unknown size was sighted near a different field in the same area a few hundred meters away.

Kuroishi 八甲, Aomori

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

In the early morning of May 5, 2026, a car on a farm road in Hakkō, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture collided with a bear crossing the road. The vehicle showed several scratches believed to be from the bear and footage was recorded; the article does not report any injuries.

Kuroishi 八甲, Aomori

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 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 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

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 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

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

While passing through the area, one bear was sighted.

Tainai, Niigata

[Post]

Akita, Akita

Spotted one bear while passing through the area.

Tainai, Niigata

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

The bear headed from the national highway into the forest.

Odate, Akita

A cub climbed up the embankment beside the road.

Nikaho Kurokawa, Akita

[Report] A juvenile bear, estimated to be about 70–80 cm, was in front of my house. It went from the east side of my house toward the north, into the mountains.

Akita, 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

Sighted a bear in the brush about 200 m north of the bridge. About 50 m from nearby houses.

Akita, Akita

Distance to houses: about 10 m; Body length: about 1 m

Yurihonjō 雪車町, Akita

Sighted one Asiatic black bear (Tsukinowaguma) behind the Isedotai Jomon Museum. It appeared to be eating something in the grass.

Kitaakita Wakigami, Akita

One bear spotted heading toward the back/eastern mountain

Itoigawa, Niigata

[Report] Sighted running away from a field

Yurihonjō 大内三川, Akita

[Report] While driving, a bear crossed the national highway and went behind a house.

Yurihonjō 大内三川, Akita

Around 9:20 a bear about 1 m tall was sighted. It crossed the road and went off toward the mountains. It was about 3 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

Witnessed the bear crossing the road from a residence and moving toward the mountains. Bear size approximately 1 m.

Akita, Akita

Report: Around 9:20, a bear about 1 m in size was sighted. It crossed the road and left toward the mountain. It was about 3 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

Before 07:00 on May 1, 2026, a roughly 1-meter bear was spotted in a residential area of Kawabe, Akita City, and Kawabe Junior High asked parents to accompany students home. On April 29, a roughly 1-meter bear was also seen on the north breakwater of Akita Port; managers plan to use firecrackers and loudspeakers as countermeasures when the breakwater is opened.

Akita, Akita

A bear about 1 m in size was sighted on the residential property. It left to the north. 3 m from the building.

Akita, Akita

Around 06:00 on May 1, 2026, a single bear was sighted near the Kamiichi River in Uonomi, Namerikawa (Toyama). The city and police patrolled but did not find the bear. Tanaka Elementary closed temporarily, Namerikawa Junior High canceled club activities and adjusted student dismissal, and Namerikawa High School postponed an event; authorities urged caution.

Namerikawa, Toyama

Near the left bank by the mouth of the Kamichigawa River, someone witnessed what appeared to be a bear poke its head out of the bushes.

Namerikawa, Toyama

Around 06:00 on May 1, 2026, one bear was sighted near the riverbank about 200 meters upstream from the mouth of the Kamiichi River in Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture. Police searched the area but found no trace or footprints; nearby Tanaka Elementary School closed temporarily and surrounding schools and residents were affected.

Namerikawa, Toyama

A resident discovered signs that a bear had eaten bamboo shoots in the mountain forest.

Asahi, Toyama

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

[Post] A bear was sitting at the side of the Akita Road. When I passed by, it ran off into the mountain on the left.

Akita, Akita

One bear (body length approx. 1–1.2 m) was sighted outside the fence on the north side of Akita Airport. Firecrackers were used and it fled toward the mountain side (Prefectural Central Park side).

Akita, Akita

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

Katagami, Akita

Bear tracks discovered

Kamiichi, Toyama

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

Katagami, 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

I saw it from my car. It's clearly recorded on the dashcam.

Mitane Amasegawa, Akita

Reported: Body approximately 1 meter. Walking in a mountain very close to the road.

Odate, 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

While driving from Kyōwa toward Akita Airport, a bear crossed in front of our car and then entered the woods. A vehicle of people gathering wild plants was parked nearby.

Akita, 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

Spotted one bear about 1.2 m in length in the grassy area near the facility. It then moved south. Approximately 30 m from the nearby facility.

Kitaakita Isecho, Akita

Spotted one bear of unknown body length in a grassy area. Approximately 10 meters from a house. Subsequent direction of departure unknown.

Kitaakita Wakigami, Akita

A single bear walked south between the houses. About 5 meters from a residence.

Kitaakita Miyamaecho, Akita

At around 11:20 on April 28, 2026, a bear about 80 cm long was sighted in the grounds of a vacant house in Akagawadai, Wakigami, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture by a woman in her 60s living next door. The Kitaakita police said the nearest house was about 20 meters away and urged residents to be cautious.

Kitaakita Wakigami, 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] Spotted a bear cub alone on the highway

Kosaka, Akita

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

Katagami, Akita

[Post]

Gojome 川崎, Akita

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

Katagami, Akita

While a vehicle was in motion, one bear (approximately 1.0 m in body length) was sighted / Direction of travel: east / Approximately 50 m to the nearest residence

Odate, Akita

At around 16:50 on April 27, 2026, a man in his 30s driving in Odate City, Karasawa Inariyama-shimo, spotted one bear about 1 meter long on the road. The nearest house is about 50 meters away and there is a hospital in the area; the police are patrolling the vicinity and urging residents to be cautious.

Odate Karasawa, 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

[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

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

While driving a rental car from the mountain side toward Akita Station, I saw an animal cross about 100 meters ahead. When I passed about 20 meters beside it, I saw a large, light chestnut-colored animal running. Its body was considerably larger than a dog, so I thought it was a bear and was startled, and I drove on.

Akita, Akita

A staff member at a nearby facility sighted one bear (body length unknown) / direction of travel unknown / approximately 150 meters from the nearest facility

Odate Shakanai, Akita

In the forest at Odate City, Shakainai, at around 10:20 a.m. on the 27th, school staff spotted one bear about 50 cm in length. The nearest house is about 30 meters away and Shakainai Elementary School about 10 meters; the police notified related agencies, are patrolling the area with patrol cars, and have warned residents to be cautious.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

Body length: 0.8 m Distance to residence: 100 m

Yurihonjō 薬師堂, Akita

A single bear (body length 1.0 m) was sighted by nearby residents / moving east / approximately 100 m from the nearest house

Odate Niida, Akita

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Akita, 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

[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

(Posted) It was crossing the rice field heading toward the mountains.

Akita, Akita

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Akita Shimokitate-Torisawa, Akita

It ran toward the mountains. Body length about 1 meter.

Akita, Akita

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

Akita, Akita

Body length: approximately 1.0 m Distance to houses: approximately 250 m

Yurihonjō 烏川, Akita

One bear approximately 1 meter in body length was sighted.

Nikaho Kisakatamachi-Kodaki, Akita

One bear was sighted in a rice paddy. Body length 1.0 m. Direction of departure unknown. 100 m south of the community center.

Akita, Akita

One bear (body length 0.5 m) seen eating something along the water channel / direction of travel: northwest / 200 m northwest of Shakainai Elementary School

Odate Shakanai, Akita

Around 12:00 on April 25, 2026, a bear approximately 50 cm long was sighted on the grounds of a private house in Aizenei(?) (Shaka-nai Aosen-dai), Odate City, Akita Prefecture. A man in his 50s working in the garden spotted it, and the Odate police are patrolling the area by patrol car and warning residents.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

Bear footprints discovered

Tateyama, Toyama

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

Posted: Spotted while driving. Adult bear. Probably larger than the bears at Omoriyama Zoo.

Akita, Akita

I saw this while driving. A bear was walking in a residential neighborhood. It was an adult. It seemed larger than the bears you see at a zoo.

Akita Higashidori-myoden, Akita

Observed one adult bear near the cowshed

Tateyama 日中上野, Toyama

At around 05:15 on April 25, 2026, an adult bear was sighted in the Yotsuyao area of Tateyama Town (near the terrace). Residents in the vicinity are being advised to exercise caution.

Tateyama, Toyama

It crossed the road and went up the mountain.

Akita, 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

It ran off into the bushes. I heard the sound of it eating something. About 15 meters to the nearest house.

Akita Narayama-Otamachi, Akita

Around 17:00 on April 24, a bear about 1 meter long was sighted in Sotoba, Itoigawa City, and was observed very close to a residence (Itoigawa Police).

Itoigawa 大字外波, Niigata

Sighted one bear

Itoigawa 大字外波, Niigata

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

Local resident sighted one bear (body length 0.6 m) / direction of travel unknown / approximately 10 m from the nearest house

Odate Shakanai, Akita

At around 7:30 a.m. on the 24th, a walking man in his 30s spotted a bear about 50 cm long in a grassy area in Shakainai, Odate City, Akita Prefecture. According to the Odate police station, the nearest house is about 40 meters away, and the station has warned residents to be cautious.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

On April 24, 2026, a bear sighting was reported in Itoigawa City. The article provides no specific location, time, or number of bears.

Itoigawa 中央, Niigata

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Odate, Akita

A bear over 1 meter tall was walking (was seen walking).

Akita, Akita

A bear about 1 meter long crossed the road.

Akita, Akita

One bear approximately 80 cm. Bear sighted. Direction of escape unknown. 150 m from building.

Akita, Akita

[Report] Spotted one bear about 80 cm. Direction of retreat unknown.

Akita, Akita

A driver sighted one bear (body length unknown) in the woods beside a city road / direction of travel unknown / 150 m south of Shakanai Elementary School

Odate, Akita

At around 15:30 on April 23, 2026, a police officer on patrol spotted one bear about 50 cm long in a grassy area in Shakainai, Odate City. The nearest house was about 40 meters away; police contacted related agencies, increased patrols by police car, and warned residents to be cautious.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

At around 06:30 on April 23, 2026, a man in his 60s spotted a single bear about 1 meter long on a municipal road in Kawabe Wada Okamura, Akita City. The sighting was about 150 meters from Kawabe Elementary School, and police have warned nearby residents to be careful.

Akita, Akita

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Akita, Akita

Report: Sighted one bear measuring 1 meter. Direction of escape unknown.

Akita, 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

[Report] Spotted near the bushes on the mountainside. When I tried to take a photo from the car, the bear noticed me and hid in the foliage. Body length about one meter.

Akita, Akita

Spotted a bear about 1.0 m in size in a rice field. It then left heading south. 200 m from a residence.

Akita, Akita

At around 08:20 on April 22, 2026, a bear about 50 cm long was sighted in a grass field in Shakakunai, Odate City by a woman in her 30s driving through the area. The bear was about 10 meters from the nearest house; authorities were notified and patrol cars have been warning residents and monitoring the area.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

A local resident sighted one bear (body length unknown) in the forest beside a municipal road / direction of travel unknown / 150 m south of Shakanai Elementary School

Odate, Akita

A driver traveling on a municipal road sighted one bear (body length 1 m) / direction of travel: northwest / 400 m south of Odate Daiichi Junior High School

Odate Negeto, 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 about 70–80 cm long crossed the road.

Akita, Akita

A local resident sighted one bear (body length 0.5 m) in the woods beside the municipal road / heading east / 150 m south of Shakanai Elementary School

Odate, Akita

At around 16:50 on the 21st, a woman in her 30s at home in Shakanai, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, sighted a bear about 50 cm long. According to the Odate police, the bear was about 10 meters from the nearest house, and authorities warned residents to be cautious.

Odate Shakanai, Akita

[Post] There was a cub

Odate, 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

I was driving in my car when I saw one (a bear) climbing a tree.

Akita, Akita