According to Hyogo Prefectural Police, a bear was spotted today, April 14 at around 4:10 p.m., in Washirinji Minamimachi (update → in the mountains).
(Information provided by Haru-san and Koharu Sanjuro-san)
This was surprising news, since it’s not something you often hear about in Nishinomiya.
Update (4/14 23:42)
Screenshot
After checking the original source, it turned out to be in the mountains.
Here it is on the map↓
The address is around 8 Washirinji Minamimachi, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
The exact sighting location is unknown, but it appears to have been spotted in the mountains near Kengadani No. 4 Park.
Around here↓
It’s definitely a “Wait, a bear? In Nishinomiya⁉” kind of surprise, but apparently there is a possibility that Asian black bears live in the Rokko mountain range too.
Actually, a bear was spotted in Ashiya about four years ago. (Ashi-tsu covered it twice. First article) It seems there haven’t been any recent bear sightings in Nishinomiya. That’s why this is such a shock.
A little south of Washirinji Minamimachi, there is the Kengadani trailhead,
and it connects to the mountains, so please be careful.
If you climb further in, there are places that feel a bit like a rock garden,
and it really feels like you’re deep in the mountains.
Be careful when entering mountains or forests!
- Move around while making noise, such as playing music on your phone or wearing a bell
- Bears are apparently especially active from evening to early morning, so check your surroundings carefully when going out
- If you see a bear, don’t approach it. Leave the area immediately and call 110
This sighting took place in Washirinji Minamimachi, an area close to the Rokko mountains. To avoid an unexpected “sudden encounter in the last place you’d expect!”, people living near the foot of the mountains should be especially careful.
Finally
Whether you’re taking a short walk in the morning or evening or going hiking in the mountains, please stay aware of your surroundings and be careful. If you spot one, please report the information by calling 110 or another appropriate contact.
※Haru-san and Koharu Sanjuro-san, thank you very much for the information!!
■■■We’re looking for tips and information!■■■
