Why do Nara’s sacred deer attack tourists?

The sacred deer roaming in Nara Park are famous around the world, and many people make a special trip to the ancient city just to see them. Unfortunately, Nara deer have recently been exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior towards humans. In September alone, 35 tourists were injured by stag antlers, seven times the number last year. The following Incidents of tourists abusing Nara deer this summerFrequent attacks this year have shocked Nara city and prefectural officials as well as Japanese netizens.

Why are Nara deer attacks increasing?

According to Nara Prefecture officials, most injuries occur when tourists try to feed them cookies. Some of the injuries were serious: 10 people were taken to hospital in September, with one victim suffering a serious stab wound to his thigh several centimeters deep.

Part of the reason for the increase in injuries is that there are about 100 more stags in Nara Park than usual. Bucks also come into heat in September and October due to mating season. However, Nara’s large influx of tourists and reports of a lack of etiquette on the part of some people around deer are also potential factors in these incidents.

Visitor abuse and inappropriate behavior

July, viral video Photos of a man repeatedly kicking and slapping a deer have circulated online. The following month, a tourist smeared feces on rice crackers and attempted to feed them to deer. captured lens News of the incident sparked huge outrage online, with many angry users on X calling for a travel ban.

The Nara Deer Preservation Association and prefectural officials warn visitors not to touch the deer unnecessarily. Electronic signs have been erected at train stations and social media channels are reminding people to be more careful, especially when interacting with the stag.

The sacred symbol of Japan’s first capital

Since the eighth century, Nara’s deer have been regarded as sacred messengers of the gods. Legend has it that the Shinto god Takemi Raimei rode a large white deer to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. Since then, the deer has been regarded as the symbolic animal of Japan’s first capital (Heijo-kyo, located near the current city of Nara).

Today, there are approximately 1,325 sacred deer in the Nara Park area. They are considered a rare ancestral species and have coexisted peacefully with the citizens of Nara for many years. Deer also like to eat special cookies called deer senbei (Deer Crackers) provided by park visitors. While this is a fun activity, deer’s diet comes primarily from natural sources such as grasses, acorns, and leaves. The park continues to urge the public not to litter or feed the deer anything other than crackers.

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