The number of people who were injured in deer-related incidents in Nara Park was 209 in the past month, already a record high. Nara prefectural authorities are urging people to be careful when feeding deer with rice crackers and other food so as not to provoke the animals.

Nara Park is home to wild deer that are national treasures of Japan, making it a popular tourist spot. However, according to Nara Prefecture, the number of people injured by being kicked or bitten by deer was 209 at the end of January, which surpasses 186, the number of people who were injured throughout the whole period of last year, Fuji TV reported. Five foreign tourists were among those injured.

Of the number, eight people suffered serious injuries, including broken bones.

Usually, the most injuries occur from September to November, during the mating season when the deer become more aggressive.

The park has set up an information center that advises tourists in several languages on how to treat the deer. Patrols are also making the rounds around the park every day.

© Japan Today