Tourism Deer attacks on the rise in Nara Park

[thomas]

This time, it's the deer attacking humans, not vice versa.

Local authorities in Nara are increasing efforts to educate visitors about deer safety as the number of injuries caused by aggressive male deer has increased, particularly during the mating season. Digital signs have been installed at major train stations in the city, warning visitors to keep their distance from the deer, avoid touching them, and not make direct eye contact. Additionally, announcements are being broadcast on buses to raise awareness about the dangers posed by these animals, especially during the peak mating season in October.

Nara pamphlet drawing attention to the danger presented by antlered deer​

A few people get injured each year from September to October, when the stags are in mating season and become more aggressive. However, the Nara Park Office says the number of stags and injured people this year is higher than usual. Deer in Nara Park have had their antlers clipped at a rate of 10 to 15 a day since late August, but the park office estimates that the antler clipping process has not kept pace with the number of deer. A surge in foreign visitors to Nara and people walking through the park holding deer crackers are also considered factors. There were 35 hurt in September, seven times more than the year prior. Many of the injuries are puncture wounds of a few centimetres on the thigh or other body parts, and ten people were taken to hospital in September. In addition to their usual publicity activities, such as on their websites and PR magazines, the prefectural and municipal governments are increasing their outreach efforts through electronic signboards and other means.

Human injuries by male deer on rise at Nara Park during mating season - The Mainichi

NARA -- Local authorities here are boosting deer awareness efforts as injuries caused by bucks in Nara Park have been on the rise, with many tourists

mainichi.jp