Incidents of tourists being attacked by male deer have surged at Nara Park, prompting local authorities to ramp up warnings.
In September alone, 35 people were injured by antler attacks — a sevenfold increase from the five cases reported during the same period last year. Among them, 10 people were taken to hospital, including one individual who suffered a deep thigh wound that resulted in significant blood loss.
According to prefectural officials, most injuries occur when tourists attempt to feed the deer crackers and touch them.