Brown bears are found throughout virtually all of Hokkaido (with the exception of a few remote islands and highly urbanized city centers). As apex predators, adult brown bears can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh as much as 500 kg.

They are typically active from spring through autumn, hibernating during winter. In recent years, as wildlife conservation awareness has grown and the boundary between bear habitat and human activity zones has become increasingly blurred, bears have been spotted with greater frequency along forest roads, in nature parks, and even at the edges of urban areas such as the outskirts of Sapporo.

Brown bear activity was significant across all of Hokkaido in 2025. Based on official data from the Hokkaido Prefectural Government and relevant wildlife management agencies, here is a summary of key statistics and characteristics for the four major regions:

・Dual-Peak Activity Cycle: May–June (spring foraging and breeding season) represents the first peak; September–November (pre-hibernation intensive feeding period) is the most dangerous time of year.

・"Mother Bear with Cubs" Alerts: In the northern and eastern regions, up to 25% of sighting reports involved mother bears with cubs — a combination known to be highly aggressive and protective. Travelers should exercise extreme caution.

As of late May 2026, Kumamap (Bear Map) data shows 142 reported bear sightings across Hokkaido in the past 30 days, with 41 in just the past 7 days — indicating continuously rising activity levels. Recent sighting reports have come from residential areas in Sapporo's Toyohira Ward, Wakkanai City, Kitahiroshima City, and even near Sunagawa City.

June–July (Breeding Season & Cubs Dispersal Period): As June arrives, brown bears enter their breeding season. Young male bears significantly expand their range in search of mates or territory, increasing the risk of them wandering into human-use areas such as golf courses and campsites. As summer progresses, sighting frequency is expected to keep rising — particularly around Shiretoko, the Daisetsuzan range, and the outskirts of Sapporo.

September–November (Peak Foraging Season): According to the Hokkaido Environment and Lifestyle Department's official advisory and alert records from 2025, these months will be the highest-risk period for bear encounters. Bears descend from the mountains frequently in search of acorns, berries, and agricultural crops. Visitors traveling to eastern Hokkaido (Shiretoko, Kushiro), northern Hokkaido (Wakkanai), and the mountainous central areas should maintain the highest level of alertness.

For travelers, bear encounters most commonly occur in the following situations:
・Scenario 1: Hiking, mountain climbing, and nature sightseeing (e.g., Shiretoko Goko Lakes, Daisetsuzan trails, around Jozankei).
・Scenario 2: Driving through mountain roads (recent reports show bears crossing national and prefectural highways with increasing regularity).
・Scenario 3: Early morning or dusk walks in suburban areas.

Per the official advisory from Biei Town, Hokkaido, please be sure to follow these guidelines:

Stay calm — do NOT run! Running triggers the bear's predatory instinct, and you absolutely cannot outrun a brown bear.

・If the bear is far away (and hasn't noticed you): Quietly leave the area the way you came. Do not make sudden loud noises that might startle it.

・If the bear notices you but stays put: Stay calm and speak in a low voice so it recognizes you as human. Stand your ground, slowly wave your arms, and avoid sudden movements or screams, which may trigger a defensive response. Slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the bear. Do not turn your back.

・If the bear approaches: Stay calm and continue speaking in a firm, steady voice. Remember that most bears do not want to attack. Do not scream or make sudden movements, as the bear may interpret them as prey behavior. Slowly raise and wave your arms to appear larger and tell the bear to back away. If it continues to approach, be prepared to use bear spray.

・After the encounter: Once you are safely away from the bear, report the sighting by calling 110 or notifying staff at the park visitor center. This helps authorities monitor bear activity and keep other visitors safe.

If you plan to do deep hiking in high-risk areas such as Shiretoko, it is strongly recommended to carry EPA-approved bear spray (kuma gekitai spray) — available for purchase or rental at local outdoor gear shops — just in case.

If you carry bear spray, make sure it is instantly accessible on your belt (not buried in your backpack), and always check the wind direction before deploying it in short bursts when the bear is within 5 to 10 meters.

Also, bear safety recommendations vary by location, so always follow guidance provided by the park or local authorities.

To ensure a safe trip, we strongly recommend checking the following official and authoritative sources covering all regions of Hokkaido before and during your travels, especially if you are venturing beyond Sapporo.

・Higumap & Kumamap
Intuitive digital maps covering all of Hokkaido. They aggregate bear sighting coordinates from various levels of government, news media, and community reports, with filters for "past 7 days" and "past 30 days" — ideal for road-trippers looking to check safety along their route.

・Hokkaido Prefectural Government: Bear Advisory & Alert System
The official information platform from the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. In years when bear activity is unusually high or food sources are scarce (such as poor acorn harvests), special advisories are issued for the entire prefecture — or specific high-risk areas — providing broad safety guidance.

・Shiretoko Foundation (Shiretoko no Higuma)
A must-check website for anyone hiking or sightseeing on the Shiretoko Peninsula (Utoro, Rausu). Given the area's extremely high bear density, the site posts daily updates on specific bear encounter incidents (such as bears approaching vehicles dangerously close) and provides trail closure information.

・Sapporo City Brown Bear Sighting Information (Official Website)
Your go-to resource for checking bear activity around popular spots like Jozankei Onsen, Hitsujigaoka Observatory, and Okura Mountain Ski Jump Stadium. The site provides a detailed list of sighting reports, and you can also follow Sapporo City's official LINE account to receive real-time location-based alerts.

As you soak in the breathtaking nature of Hokkaido, bring with you a deep respect for the wild. Prepare thoroughly, and your journey will be all the more safe, rewarding, and unforgettable.