Be wary of bears.

Concerning injuries caused by Asiatic black bears, the prefecture issued an "Asiatic Black Bear Sighting Warning" on April 18, 2025. The city has been disseminating warnings via its website and other channels. Nevertheless, on October 27, a fatal accident occurred, suspected to be due to an Asiatic black bear.

As of October 28, there have been 32 incidents with 33 injuries reported in the prefecture. This year, notably, 20 individuals have been injured in residential areas.

Bear sightings have also been reported in residential areas within the city, making it crucial to be cautious of unexpected bear encounters.

To prevent injuries from bears, please follow these precautions to avoid attracting them and encountering them.

Ways to avoid attracting bears

- Do not dispose of vegetable scraps or food waste near homes, and do not leave discarded vegetables or fruit trees unattended.

- Harvest backyard fruit trees, such as persimmons, as soon as they ripen.

- Retrieve any food brought into the mountains.

- Maintain satoyama areas, reduce undergrowth, and enhance visibility.

- Install electric fences or other deterrents on farmland near mountains.

Ways to avoid bear encounters

◎ In areas near forests or where bears have been spotted

- Avoid traversing or entering the mountains in the morning and evening when possible. If morning, evening, or night work is necessary, take adequate precautions, like traveling in groups of two or more.

- When entering the mountains to pick wild vegetables, you are more likely to encounter bears. Carry a bell, whistle, or radio. In areas with poor visibility or where sounds are hard to hear along streams, call out or clap your hands to alert bears to your presence.

- If you see fresh footprints or droppings, turn back immediately.

・Bears may hide in fields, so inspect carefully before working.

・Exercise caution in areas where bears are likely, such as riverbeds, thickets, and forests.

・Avoid areas with poor visibility, even during the day.

◎Check local bear sighting information from government sources and media reports.

・Latest bear sighting information (Ichinoseki Mail)

・Past bear sighting locations (Ichinoseki e-Map)

◎There is no "perfect" method for dealing with bears. Use multiple measures to ensure your safety.

What to do if you encounter a bear

・Stay calm. Keep your eyes on the bear and slowly back away. *Gently placing your luggage can also distract the bear.

・Do not run or turn your back on it.

・Avoid approaching a bear, even if it's a cub. *A mother bear may be nearby, and bears with cubs are especially dangerous.

If a bear is encountered at close range or attacks, cover your face and head with both hands, curl up, and lie on the ground to protect yourself.

Information as of October 2025 Source: https://www.city.ichinoseki.iwate.jp/index.cfm/29,158129,181,html#:~:text=【クマを呼び寄せないため,見通しをよくしましょう。