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Increasing Japanese Macaques
Since last year, there have been sightings of Asian black bears in urban areas, and sightings of Japanese macaques in urban areas are also on the rise. According to staff at a guesthouse in Zaō Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, the number of Japanese macaques in the Zaō area has been increasing recently; I encountered a troop of them twice on the prefectural road—commonly known as the Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley—which runs from Lake Inawashiro to Yonezawa city. They did not seem particularly afraid of people and were sitting right in the middle of the road, but being surrounded by a troop of…
- Mammals
- Spot introduction
- Yamagata
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Japanese Badger in Kyoto
Whilst guiding a client, I spotted a Japanese badger. Although they are said to be the third most numerous species in Japan after raccoon dogs and foxes, they are nocturnal and therefore rarely seen. Their population numbers are uncertain, and this was the first time I had ever seen a wild specimen. They are said to be relatively tame, but as it began to growl at us, we made a swift retreat. There is a risk that they may carry viruses such as rabies, and being bitten would be a serious matter. Although I’m currently working as a guide or…
- Kyoto
- Mammals