Nara Park Implements Trial Bins to Combat Deer Littering Crisis

Nara Prefecture has initiated a pilot program to evaluate the impact of reintroducing trash bins in Nara Park, aiming to mitigate littering that harms the local deer population. The absence of bins since the late 1980s was intended to prevent deer from rummaging through waste; however, increasing reports of deer ingesting litter have prompted this reconsideration. During the trial, authorities are monitoring the types and amounts of waste, with plastic bottles and paper cups noted as common litter. In addition, a dedicated team known as 'Beautiful Deer' is actively cleaning the park, collecting plastic waste that poses health risks to the deer. This group, which primarily employs individuals with disabilities, collaborates with the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation to ensure the safety of the park's 1,300 deer, amid rising tourist numbers that exacerbate the littering issue. Efforts are underscored by the belief that raising awareness about the negative impact of litter can foster better coexistence between tourists and wildlife.