In Hokkaido, it's common to see wild animals. From cute critters to creatures that pose a serious threat, here are some common encounters and bits of local wisdom (including a few insects) from the people of Hokkaido who live alongside them.

1. Don't Touch Wild Ezo Red Foxes & Keep Your Distance

The fluffy, yellow Ezo red foxes you see in winter are one of Hokkaido's most iconic wild animals. But no matter how cute they look, Hokkaido locals will never approach them. The reason is a parasitic disease called "Echinococcosis." People in Hokkaido are taught from a young age that Echinococcosis is dangerous, so when they see an Ezo red fox, they adopt a "let sleeping dogs lie" attitude and simply admire them from a distance.

Still, almost every Hokkaido local has probably felt the urge to call out "Rurururu..." at least once, just like in the famous Japanese drama set in Hokkaido.

2. Deer Are Bigger Than You Think

When people think of deer in Japan, the ones in Nara are famous. However, the Ezo deer that inhabit Hokkaido are much larger, with males standing about 130 cm tall. The deer in Nara are said to have a shoulder height of about 85 cm, which gives you an idea of the size difference. With their antlers, they can easily appear taller than an adult human.

Ezo deer often wander onto roads, and in a collision, it's often the car that gets the worst of it, not the deer. Please be especially careful when driving on mountain roads.

3. Insect Collecting Happens in Nearby Parks and Woods

When summer arrives in Hokkaido, the number of children collecting cicadas and other insects increases. However, in Hokkaido, with its vast wilderness, it's more common to collect insects in nearby parks or wooded areas rather than venturing deep into the mountains. You might even find rhinoceros beetles or stag beetles near a streetlight close to home.

4. This is Hokkaido... So Yes, There Are Bears

Along with the Ezo red fox, the brown bear is another of Hokkaido's representative animals. Recently, sightings in residential areas have become more frequent in the news. If you see a bear, do not approach it. If you encounter one while in a car, make sure your windows and doors are securely closed and remain calm.

5. Wild Birds Fill the Skies

For wild birds, Hokkaido is a paradise with abundant food in its lakes, few predators, and a perfect climate. Birds from all over the world visit Hokkaido. The sight of large flocks of birds flying across the sky is truly spectacular. In some areas, it's a common sight to see large eagles perched on power lines. Even Hokkaido locals can't help but say "Wow!" when they spot large birds like red-crowned cranes by the roadside.

6. Ezo Squirrels Are Everywhere

The Ezo squirrel is an incredibly adorable creature. Their earth-toned fur makes them hard to spot, but surprisingly, you can see them all over the place. If there's a park with a forest, there's a high chance they live there. Watching them scurry up a tree is the definition of cute. However, they are extremely fast, so it's best to just admire them from afar.

7. You Almost Never See Everyone's Least Favorite Pest, the "G"

The "G," or cockroach, is a common sight on Japan's main island of Honshu. These ancient creatures are known for their incredible reproductive abilities, but you don't see them much in Hokkaido due to the cold climate. Thanks to this, many people in Hokkaido have never even seen a cockroach.

So, when they see one for the first time, they're surprisingly calm. When I encountered one, for a moment I thought, "Is that a type of stag or rhinoceros beetle?" before realizing a few seconds later that it was something else entirely.

Hokkaido Locals Coexisting with Wildlife

Rich in nature, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of wildlife. However, the people of Hokkaido don't go out of their way to approach these animals; they coexist with them. This knack for maintaining a healthy distance might just be another unique trait of Hokkaido locals.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only.