Nara's deer are growing in number - and that means more injuries

If you've ever been personally victimized by the deer at Nara Park, you're not alone. I still remember the first time I visited there with deer crackers ready to go, thinking I was about to enjoy a wholesome Instagram moment. As it turns out, those "gentle" deer can be surprisingly pushy when food is involved, and I highly recommend avoiding putting the crackers in the back pocket of your jeans.

According to the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, the park's deer population has hit a record high of 1,465, which is the largest since they began keeping track back in 1953. That number includes over 300 males, 800 does, and more than 300 fawns, which is a baby boom that pushed the total past pre-pandemic levels.

A younger me with a no-no -- touching the deer is not a good idea, irrespective of how cute they look. 

With more deer roaming the park, the number of visitor injuries is also on the rise. In fiscal 2024, there were 159 reported cases, with foreign tourists making up the majority. The prefectural government has pointed out that most accidents happen when people try to tease the deer by withholding crackers, or when they get a little too handsy while taking photos. As much as these animals look ethereal, they're still wild and have no patience for your TikTok ideas.

To address the issue, multilingual pamphlets are now being handed out to remind people not to touch or provoke the deer, especially during mating season when tempers run high. If you're new to Japan, don't be like early-days me. Enjoy them from a distance (and feed them crackers if you like!) but keep your hands to yourself for safety!