Everyday encounters with wildlife becoming a reality for many families

A recent survey by Mamasta Select has found that encounters with wild animals are now a common part of daily life for many families in Japan. The survey was conducted among mothers raising children here, and it asked whether they'd encountered a wild animal in their everyday surroundings within the past two to three years, excluding birds such as pigeons and crows. Out of 826 respondents, 53.9 percent said they had, while 42.6 percent said they had not. Just 3.5 percent selected "other."

A whole assortment of animals are often everyday occurrences for Japan-dwellers, enough so that some folks barely pay attention anymore. 

The range of animals reported was wide and reflected regional differences across the country. Respondents mentioned tanuki, palm civets, foxes, deer, wild boars, monkeys, nutria, pheasants, snakes, and even squirrels and raccoons. Some people reported seeing animals daily on their commute, while others encountered them near their homes, in gardens, rice fields, rivers, or along roads. Several respondents said these sightings have become so common that they barely pay attention anymore.

At the same time, the survey highlighted growing safety awareness. Some parents reported avoiding going out in the evenings due to ongoing reports of bear sightings, while others said they contacted city offices after seeing animals near their homes. The comments point to a shared understanding that community awareness and information sharing play an important role in preventing animal based accidents and injuries.