Environment Nara faces explosion in deer population

Deer are increasingly venturing into residential neighbourhoods around Nara, raising concerns about traffic accidents, crop damage and the spread of ticks and fleas as the animals move beyond Nara Park in search of food. In recent months, deer have been seen grazing on lawns, wandering through private gardens and crossing roads in quiet neighbourhoods about two kilometres south of the park. The area is lined with detached houses and apartment buildings. Residents say they have grown used to seeing the animals, but their numbers and the frequency of sightings have clearly increased. Some deer have also appeared near routes used by primary school children.


Herds have even been spotted near JR Nara Station, about two kilometres west of Nara Park, suggesting the animals are moving deeper into the city's built-up areas. The deer population in Nara Park reached a record 1,465 last year. Officials believe the increase is partly due to excessive feeding by the growing number of inbound tourists.

As the population grows, the park's grasslands are no longer providing enough food. Female deer are believed to be leaving the park with their young, while male deer, which naturally tend to move away from groups, may encounter them outside the park. Experts believe some deer have established new territories and reproduced beyond the park, creating second- and third-generation populations that have never lived within its grounds. Reports suggest deer living outside the park can be more aggressive than those accustomed to visitors inside it. Nara's deer are designated as a national natural monument, including wild animals outside Nara Park. Prefectural officials and members of deer protection organizations generally respond to reports by approaching herds from behind and driving them back toward the park.

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Hard to believe tourists are a major factor

mdchachi said:

Hard to believe tourists are a major factor

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They could restrict the number of deer crackers sold I suppose? It still seems like a silly reason though.

I wonder if we will start seeing Nara venison snacks being sold soon?

Maybe bring in the "problem bears" and train them to eat deer?