Information on brown bears in the Daisetsuzan Mountains
Regarding the brown bear warning level
The information provided on this website is intended to assist users of the Daisetsuzan Mountains in making appropriate decisions and planning their climbs in accordance with the behavior of brown bears. Therefore, it is not simply a source of information on brown bear sightings and appearances, but rather...
"How risky is it?"
"What actions or decisions should be taken?"
We use expressions that are easy to understand.
The "Brown Bear Warning Level" is determined based on the brown bear information collected.
This assessment evaluates the likelihood of encountering a brown bear in the mountainous area and the degree of risk involved, categorizing them into four levels from 1 to 4 , with 1 being the least dangerous .
However, this level notation is
- Due to the combination of complex factors such as utilization density and individual characteristics of brown bears,
It does not have strict evaluation criteria.
- Because the information includes secondary sources such as hearsay from climbers, the possibility of inconsistencies in accuracy cannot be ruled out.
Please understand.
Furthermore, it's important to note that the entire Daisetsuzan mountain range is a habitat for brown bears.
There is no area without risk.
Keep in mind that you will be entering an area inhabited by brown bears. It is essential to know what to do if you encounter a brown bear or to avoid one, and to be prepared with the necessary items (such as bear spray and a bell) before entering the area.
Brown bear warning level 1
What's the situation?
No problematic individuals or dangerous incidents have been reported for more than a week.
Sometimes traces such as feces and footprints are found,
Even if you spot a brown bear, it's rare to encounter one at close range.Brown bears generally avoid humans, and there are no brown bears that actively approach people (problem individuals).
Case 1
A brown bear was sighted 100 to several hundred meters away from people, facilities, and hiking trails.
dangerous!
Highland Hot Spring Marshland Hiking Course
Necessary actions and judgments
Observe carefully where the brown bear is going, whether it is approaching, and whether it has noticed you.
If the brown bear is the type that avoids people once it notices their presence, it can be effective to make the bear aware of your presence first by using a bell or making noise.
Brown bear warning level 2
What's the situation?
Encounters with brown bears are frequent, with close-range encounters occurring more than once a week.
Brown bears don't actively approach humans, but they won't run away even if they recognize a person .
The same individual is staying in the same location.
A mother bear and her cub are staying in the same place.
etc.
Case 2
In an area where brown bear sightings had been reported daily, I spotted a brown bear just a few dozen meters away on the hiking trail ahead. The bear seemed to notice me, but continued to wander around the area, so I turned back.
dangerous!
I spotted a brown bear a few dozen meters ahead on the hiking trail. The bear started moving in the same direction I wanted to go, so I followed it, keeping my distance.
dangerous!
Case Study 3
While running on a mountain trail with poor visibility, I was bluffed into by a brown bear that suddenly appeared from the side of the trail.
Case 4
dangerous!
Necessary actions and judgments
Don't try to force your way forward; always turn back .
Carry bear repellent spray with you and keep it ready to use at any time.
Avoid running in areas with poor visibility, as this increases the risk of close-range encounters.
If the brown bear does not run away, do not approach it.
Brown bear warning level 3
What's the situation?
There are individuals that approach people lingering in the area , making encounters highly probable.
A mother bear and her cub may be staying near the hiking trail, increasing the possibility of a sudden encounter.
etc.
Case 5
While hiking on a snowfield, a lone brown bear appeared from behind and gradually approached until it was within 4-5 meters, so I used bear spray.
dangerous!
Necessary actions and judgments
If individuals approaching people are loitering near hiking trails, it could be life-threatening, so change your route and avoid passing through if possible.
Acting in groups of several people.
Always carry bear spray with you so you can respond at any time.
Brown bear warning level 4
What's the situation?
There are animal carcasses, such as deer, around the hiking trails, and brown bears are fixated on them, causing them to linger in the area for extended periods.
They are fixated on the food and other items left behind by hikers.
etc.
Case 6
I knew from posts on a hiking app that there was a deer carcass on the trail, but as I continued on, I found bear droppings. Further on, I was hit by a bluff charge.
dangerous!
Necessary actions and judgments
The presence of animal carcasses , such as deer, on hiking trails is extremely dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of brown bears becoming aggressive and possessing the carcasses in an attempt to protect their food source.
If you find a dead animal, do not approach it under any circumstances and contact the administrator immediately.
I've changed my climbing plan and will not be taking that route.
No rating
What's the situation?
We have limited information on brown bears, making it difficult to assess the risks.
Lack of information does not mean a low risk of encountering a brown bear.
It is essential to understand that this is a brown bear habitat and to enter the mountain with the necessary mindset and sufficient preparation to handle any potential threats.