Society

New signs warn against Nara's free-roaming deer

Apr 03 (NHK) - Overseas visitors to the ancient Japanese capital of Nara will now see warning signs in English and Chinese explaining how to interact safely with the city's wild deer.

Nara Park is a popular tourist attraction where people feed and take pictures with deer that roam freely through the area. The animals are protected as designated national treasures.

But local government officials say 180 people were bitten or knocked down by the deer over the past year.

Many of the accidents occurred when foreign tourists were feeding them special deer crackers.

On Tuesday, Nara Prefecture officials began installing signs in English and Chinese near shops in the park that sell the crackers.

The signs warn visitors about being charged at by deer while feeding them and advise showing open hands to indicate when there are no more crackers.

A shop clerk says that in the past she had to struggle to warn overseas tourists using her limited vocabulary.

Officials say they hope the signs will help visitors to enjoy sightseeing in Nara without any unpleasant encounters.

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