Bear Sighting in Nagabuchi, Ome City: Spotted Near Residential Area, City Issues Urgent Warning
Bear Spotted in Nagabuchi 5-chome: Ome City Issues Urgent Warning
On May 31, 2026, a possible bear sighting was reported in Nagabuchi 5-chome, Ome City.
In response, Ome City is urging local residents to exercise extreme caution when going outside.
Nagabuchi 5-chome is a hilly area adjacent to a residential district, where the forest meets the city.
As this information concerns an area right next to where people live, it is a pressing issue for locals.
According to the city, they received a report of a bear sighting or traces, prompting an on-site inspection and a patrol of the surrounding area.
While no human casualties have been reported at this time, the city continues to urge vigilance.
Incidents in Okutama Too: A Series of Sightings in Western Tama
Around the same time as this report in Ome City, bear damage was also confirmed on a forest road in Okutama Town.
Okutama Town borders Ome City, and the bears' territory is connected through the forests.
Sightings have been on the rise across the western Tama area since the spring of 2026.
Bears become more active from spring through early summer.
Coming out of hibernation, they often expand their territory in search of food, increasing the chances they will approach residential areas and farmland near mountains.
In areas where forests and living spaces border each other, like Ome City and Okutama Town, warnings are often issued during this season every year.
What Kind of Area is Nagabuchi? Geographical Background
Nagabuchi is a district located in the southern part of Ome City.
Relatively close to the JR Ome Line's Kabe and Higashi-Ome stations, it is known as an area where residential neighborhoods and forests intermingle.
The area around Nagabuchi 5-chome is dotted with green spaces and slopes along the Tama River, and while rich in natural environments, it is also an area very close to wildlife.
There have been past reports of bear sightings in Ome City, and the city has consistently informed and warned residents each time.
This recent report occurred against such a regional backdrop.
How to Avoid Bear Encounters
Below is a summary of the precautions urged by Ome City and relevant organizations.
These are important points to keep in mind during your daily activities:
- Make noise when walking near forests and green spaces (using a bell or radio is effective).
- Avoid walking alone in the early morning, evening, and at night as much as possible (when bears are most active).
- Do not leave garbage or food scraps outside (this attracts bears to human settlements).
- Strictly manage crops and fruit trees (leaving crops unharvested attracts bears).
- If you spot a bear, do not turn your back and run; slowly and quietly back away.
Furthermore, if you see a bear or find traces of one, it is crucial to report it to Ome City or the police immediately.
Do not try to handle it yourself; prioritize contacting the authorities.
Contact Information for Sightings and Reports
If you see a bear or find suspicious traces (claw marks, droppings, footprints, etc.), please contact the following:
- Ome City Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Division (Bear sighting response desk): 0428-22-1111 (City Hall main number)
- Ome Police Station: 0428-22-0110
When reporting, it helps to provide the address of the sighting, the time, and the size and characteristics of the bear (as much as you can tell).
Sharing information across the community is the first step in preventing harm.
Bear Season and the Current Situation in Western Tama
Asian black bears are wildlife native to the mountainous areas of western Tokyo.
While they were once confined to deep mountain areas like Okutama Town and Hinohara Village, sightings have recently increased in areas closer to residential neighborhoods in and around Ome City, driven by an increase in population and food shortages.
According to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment, bear sightings in Tokyo have been on an upward trend since the 2020s, with 324 cases reported in 2024.
In the western Tama area in particular, there are many places where the boundary between mountains and residential areas is blurred, increasing the risk of contact between humans and bears.
May and June is also the time when bears fully awaken from hibernation and expand their range of activity.
Extra caution, more than usual, is required when taking walks on mountain-side roads or doing fieldwork during this season.
Extra Caution Required for Children and the Elderly
While an encounter with a bear is dangerous for adults, it poses an even more serious risk to children and the elderly.
The area around Nagabuchi 5-chome includes elementary schools and residential streets with many elderly residents, meaning many people frequently walk outside in their daily lives.
Please try to walk in groups when commuting to school or taking walks in the neighborhood.
It is also important to teach children basic knowledge about bears through schools and neighborhood associations.
Make sure your family shares the basic behavioral rules: "If you see a bear, don't run. Don't shout. Back away slowly."
The Importance of Community Response
There is a limit to what the government alone can do in responding to bear sightings.
It is vital for every resident to share information and for the entire community to remain vigilant.
If you hear from a neighbor that there were "strange tracks recently" or they "saw an animal that looked like a bear," do not take it lightly; contact the city or police.
Utilizing the contact networks of neighborhood associations and town councils to share sighting information quickly is also an effective measure.
In Ome City and Okutama Town, there have been past cases of communities coming together to respond to bear sightings.
Taking this information as an opportunity, it might be a good idea to review your community's information-sharing systems once again.
Living Safely in Ome City
This recent bear sighting was reported in Nagabuchi 5-chome, a place very close to daily life.
It is important to realize that this is not just a "mountain problem," but something happening near our everyday lives.
Ome City is blessed with a rich natural environment, which is part of its charm.
At the same time, local residents need to have the literacy to coexist with wildlife.
Let's continue to pay attention to information from Ome City and relevant organizations, and maintain a proactive stance in reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
The safety of the community is protected by the actions of every individual who connects this information.
You can check the latest information on Ome City on the official Ome City website and official SNS accounts.
Please make a habit of checking it regularly as vital local information.