Record sightings in Niigata mean you need to be bear-aware

It's not great news for us outdoor lovers in Niigata, with bear sightings at an all-time high for the prefecture this year. There have been 125 reports recorded between January and the end of April, which is the highest since tracking began in 2006. Areas like Nagaoka, Joetsu, and Uonuma (very close to me!) have all seen a steady increase in activity, which is important to know about if you're the kind of person who loves getting off the beaten path!

From an outdoor adventure perspective, the timing really isn't ideal. Late April into May is when bears come out of hibernation and start actively searching for food, just as hiking, camping, and sansai (wild veggie) foraging season kicks off.

My local area is beautiful, but the bears also think it is...

I don't think it means you should cancel your plans, but it's definitely important to adjust how you approach them. Checking local bear sighting maps before you head out, carrying bear bells or spray, and avoiding solo hikes are all being strongly advised. Last year saw injuries from bear encounters in May, so this isn't just a theoretical risk.