Nagano Prefecture Extends Bear Alert for Matsumoto and Northern Alps Regions

Nagano Prefecture announced on June 18 that it is extending the Asian black bear (Tsukino wa guma) alert period for the Matsumoto and Northern Alps regions by two weeks, with the alert now set to remain in place until July 3. The extension follows a significant increase in bear sightings in inhabited areas, with Matsumoto experiencing 1.5 times more sightings compared to the previous week, while the Northern Alps region has seen sightings at 1.6 times the normal June average.

Sightings in Matsumoto have surged in recent weeks, with 8 incidents recorded between June 5-11 and 12 incidents between June 12-17. The Northern Alps region has been even more affected, with 51 confirmed sightings as of June 17, compared to a typical June average of 32 sightings—representing a 59 percent increase from normal seasonal levels. This marks the second time Matsumoto's alert period has been extended.

Prefectural authorities have attributed the increased bear activity to seasonal behavioral patterns, noting that from June onwards, bears expand their range beyond forest areas into inhabited zones. The prefecture is also maintaining an alert in the Kiso region through June 26. Officials are urging residents to strictly manage agricultural waste and food scraps to reduce human-bear encounters. The expanded alert reflects growing concerns about bears venturing into residential and agricultural areas during the warmer months.