Japan Deer Preservation Efforts: Wolf Pee and Lion Roars Keep Deer Off The Road
In Hokkaido, Japan, wolf urine and lions' roars are used to keep the deer away from the road, based on recent news reports.
The measure is also intended to minimise road accidents.
However, it is only temporary.
"The effect lasts about a month, but it won't be effective forever because deer get used to the smell," a source told the AFP.
The improvised stop gap consists of imported wolf urine from the United States and recorded roar of lions. Transport companies arrived at such measure because the fences which supposed to serve as barrier fail to serve their purpose.
If the animals find their way to the road or even farmlands, they may bring trouble and damage with them.
While the wolf urine, which is sprinkled on the road is just a short-term solution, no official assessment has been made as to how long the broadcasted lions' roars can make the deer stay away of harm's way.
The temporary solution is also meant to safeguard the deer population which greatly declined during the beginning of the 20th century due to overhunting practices and harsh weather conditions, especially during winter.
Right now, the deer population amounts to about 650,000 on the Hokkaido which is Japan's second largest island.