What You Should Know Before Hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail
— How to Avoid Encounters with Wild Boars, and What to Do If You Do Encounter One —
In recent years, there have been reports of wild boar sightings in various areas along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. While this is a testament to the richness of nature, hikers need to be mindful of safety.
In this article, we’ll provide information based on official sources from Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures, focusing on two perspectives: “what to do if you encounter a wild boar” and “how to avoid encounters.”
If you happen to encounter a wild boar
● Do not provoke or approach
”If you spot a wild boar, it is important not to provoke or agitate it.” (Iwate Prefectural Government website). Approaching a wild boar, trying to chase it away with a stick, or throwing stones at it will agitate the animal and create a dangerous situation. If you spot one, quietly keep your distance and leave the area. Instead of running toward it shouting, “I see it!”, the best course of action is to “quietly move away.”
● Slowly back away to create some distance
“If a wild boar approaches, don’t panic—slowly back away to create distance” (Iwate Prefectural Government website). It is important to keep your eyes on the animal while slowly creating distance.The website also recommends methods such as “entering a building, taking cover behind an object, or climbing a tree to ensure your safety.” If you are in the mountains, temporarily taking cover behind a large tree or behind a rock can also be effective.
To Avoid Encounters with Wild Boars
● Do not feed them or leave food out
“Please never feed wild boar piglets (uribō)” (Iwate Prefectural Government website). Wild boars that become accustomed to humans lose their fear of people, which increases the risk of injury to humans.The website also states that leaving vegetable scraps and other food waste behind can cause wild boars to recognize the area as a feeding ground. The same applies to leaving behind uneaten food or trash while hiking on trails. Taking your food scraps and packaging waste home with you is the first step in preventing wild boars from being attracted to the area. Avoiding the creation of “feeding grounds” in nature is the key to maintaining an appropriate distance between wildlife and humans.
A Few Tips for Staying Safe on the Trail
In addition to these official precautions, it’s a good idea to keep the following points in mind when hiking on the trail.
- Since wild boars are most active during the twilight hours of morning and evening, walk during the day whenever possible.
- In areas with limited visibility, such as thickets and slopes, use your voice or a bell to signal your presence.
- Walking in a group rather than alone
- Carry a smartphone, a whistle, a flashlight, and other items in case of an emergency
In Closing
Wild boars generally avoid humans, but they can become aggressive if startled or when trying to protect their young. By knowing how to “avoid encounters” and how to “respond calmly if you do encounter one,” you can enjoy nature with peace of mind.
The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a long nature trail. To hike safely, it is essential to respect nature and have the proper knowledge. Hiking in nature means sharing the same space with the creatures that live there. Let’s enjoy the Michinoku Coastal Trail safely by being considerate of one another and maintaining a safe distance.
[Citations and References]
Iwate Prefecture: “Precautions Regarding Wild Animals (Wild Boars)”
Fukushima Prefecture “Leaflet on Measures Against Wild Boars and Bears”
