Akita Bear sightings continue after December, with 16 sightings reported this year. In Misato Town, on January 17, a bear measuring approximately 50 centimeters in length had climbed a tree on the Chibata Elementary School grounds.
On December 17th last year, an NHK director happened to spot a bear climbing a persimmon tree during a snowstorm near a private house in Odate City. According to the Akita Prefectural Police Headquarters, there have been a number of bear sightings during the winter season.