Deer attacks on the rise in Japan’s Nara Park as tourists return post-pandemic

In Japan’s ancient capital of Nara, the local government has issued a warning to visitors due to a rise in injuries from encounters with the park’s resident deer.

Nara Park, a 502-hectare sanctuary designated as a national treasure, is home to around 1,400 free-roaming deer, and some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Todaiji Temple.

These gentle creatures are considered sacred because legend says one of the four gods of Katsugatisha Shrine arrived in the city in the year 768 on a white deer.

Protected as natural monuments, deer have become accustomed to humans strolling among them, but encounters with visitors are on the rise. Between January and September, 35 deer attacks were reported, up from five the previous year.

In September alone, 10 people were treated for injuries, including one visitor who sustained a deep thigh gash from a deer’s horn.

“We do not think the deer are becoming more aggressive towards people, but there has been an increase in incidents,” said Yumiko O’Donnell, of the Nara Prefectural Government’s Tourism Bureau.