Asian black bear caught on camera on Mount Takao in Tokyo

TOKYO - An Asian black bear was recently spotted on camera moving along Mount Takao in the western Tokyo suburb of Hachioji, according to the municipal government's announcement on September 16. The sighting occurred around 11:06 p.m. on August 20, near Shiromidai in the Takaomachi district, approximately 70 meters from the nature study trail No. 1 on the mountain.

The city confirmed the information received on the 16th and informed the public about the incident. The bear was recorded walking on a paved hiking trail, which is popular among tourists. The municipal government categorized the situation as alert level 1 under its Asian black bear response manual and advised people to avoid entering the mountain area during nighttime hours, including early morning and after sunset.

The city also urged tourists to exercise caution as the Silver Week holiday period is approaching, and the number of visitors to Mount Takao is expected to rise. Local residents expressed concern about the bear's presence, noting that nuts typically serve as food for bears can be found along the hiking trail. Some visitors, including a woman in her 40s and an 81-year-old woman, shared their observations and concerns about the potential encounter between bears and hikers, particularly trail runners who use the hiking trails at night.