The number of bear sightings is increasing in Mie Prefecture. There is a possibility of encountering an Asiatic black bear (Tsukinowaguma) in any area of the prefecture, so be very careful.
To avoid encountering a bear
- When entering the mountains, take items that make noise, such as bells, whistles, or a radio, and avoid walking alone. These sounds warn the bear of human presence and help it avoid contact.
- Pay extra attention at dawn, dusk, and on days with heavy rain or strong winds. Dawn and dusk are the periods of greatest activity for the Asiatic black bear. In addition, rain and wind make it difficult for the bear to perceive human presence, increasing the risk of encounters.
- Avoid carelessly entering places with poor visibility. You may suddenly encounter a bear.
To avoid attracting bears
- Remove anything that could serve as food for the bear (organic waste, fallen fruit, unused crops, etc.) and store items that may attract them (animal feed, paints, fuels, etc.) in locked or properly controlled locations.
- Cut and clear dense vegetation to reduce the likelihood of bear sightings.
If you encounter a bear
- Keep your eyes on the bear and slowly back away from the area.
Turning your back or running away risks being attacked by the bear.
- If a bear attacks, take shelter or assume a defensive position.
Protect yourself by taking shelter in a building or car, assuming a defensive position (lying face down with your hands behind your neck), or spraying bear spray.
About the Bear Sighting Information App for Smartphones
You can get information about bear sightings. The alert function will notify you when you approach a bear sighting. (As of December 2025, the app is only available in Japanese.)
Login ID and password required to launch the app
- Login ID: miekuma
- Password: miekuma
(The login ID and password are the same.)
