Aug 01 (NHK) - Local authorities in the city of Nara, western Japan, have decided to capture some of the city's free range deer to reduce farming damage.
The deer, including those in and around Nara park, have been protected since being designated a special natural treasure by the Japanese government in 1957.
But the city has been facing complaints from farmers about a growing number of them grazing in their fields.
The prefectural government of Nara has received state permission to capture some of the deer on the city's outskirts while protecting the animal in and around the park.
On Monday, officials said they began the operation by installing traps in 6 of the hardest-hit areas.
It is the first time for the city to capture the animal since its designation as a special natural treasure. They plan to catch up to 120 deer by the end of March next year.
