Mountain Wildlife
Wild boar (inoshishi)
Japan's mountains have various wild animals that are potentially dangerous. Luckily, these animals don't like being around humans and rarely attack unless startled.
1. Bears (くま) - Bears do not like the smell of humans. However, they have been known to occasionally attack hikers when the bear is caught by surprise or panics. Attaching a bell or singing a song to let the bears know you are there is a good safety precaution, especially if you are hiking alone. The beginning and end of winter hibernation season is the most dangerous time to encounter a bear as that is when food is low.
2. Monkeys (さる) - Places, such as Nikko are famous for monkeys. Make eye-contact and monkeys will get aggressive. Try not to look at them and do not show them food!
3. Wild Boars (いのしし) - Good news. Wild boar, or inoshishi, are nocturnal animals and normally do not attack humans unless they are startled. You'll be safe in the day time. If you ever were chased by a wild boar at night, you should check the direction it is running and move sideways. Wild boars can't turn very well.
1. Bears (くま) - Bears do not like the smell of humans. However, they have been known to occasionally attack hikers when the bear is caught by surprise or panics. Attaching a bell or singing a song to let the bears know you are there is a good safety precaution, especially if you are hiking alone. The beginning and end of winter hibernation season is the most dangerous time to encounter a bear as that is when food is low.
2. Monkeys (さる) - Places, such as Nikko are famous for monkeys. Make eye-contact and monkeys will get aggressive. Try not to look at them and do not show them food!
3. Wild Boars (いのしし) - Good news. Wild boar, or inoshishi, are nocturnal animals and normally do not attack humans unless they are startled. You'll be safe in the day time. If you ever were chased by a wild boar at night, you should check the direction it is running and move sideways. Wild boars can't turn very well.
Mamushi snake.
4. Snakes (へび) - Snakes in Japan rarely will attack unless you scare them. The one snake to look out for is called a mamushi. This is a brownish snake with a triangular head. If it coils up, that is the sign it is going to attack. Run away. If you are bit by a snake, you should remain calm and go to the nearest hospital. Panicking makes the poison work faster.
5. Wild Dog (野犬) - These wild dogs may attack humans looking for food. You can drive them away or give them food as a last resort and use that chance to get away.
6. Insects - Insect bites from an abu (horsefly) and buyo (gnat) can be treated with an anti-histamine cream. A bite from a kemushi (caterpillar) or dokuga (poison moth) should be washed right away with water. A dani (tick) or hiru (leech) can be removed by toasting them with a lighter if necessary..
7. Bee (はち)- Try not to move around or panic. Cover your body with clothing. If you are stung by a bee, remove the stinger and cool with water. Then apply an anti-histamine cream. If you happen to be stung by a suzume bachi (wasp) and experience any shaking or shock-like symptoms, you should get help immediately. Avoid perfume and black clothing, as they are known to cause suzume bachi to get excited.
5. Wild Dog (野犬) - These wild dogs may attack humans looking for food. You can drive them away or give them food as a last resort and use that chance to get away.
6. Insects - Insect bites from an abu (horsefly) and buyo (gnat) can be treated with an anti-histamine cream. A bite from a kemushi (caterpillar) or dokuga (poison moth) should be washed right away with water. A dani (tick) or hiru (leech) can be removed by toasting them with a lighter if necessary..
7. Bee (はち)- Try not to move around or panic. Cover your body with clothing. If you are stung by a bee, remove the stinger and cool with water. Then apply an anti-histamine cream. If you happen to be stung by a suzume bachi (wasp) and experience any shaking or shock-like symptoms, you should get help immediately. Avoid perfume and black clothing, as they are known to cause suzume bachi to get excited.