When driving on the roads of nature-rich Hokkaido, you're bound to see animal crossing signs. Officially known as "Animal Crossing Warning Signs," Hokkaido is full of them, from the famous to the rather unusual. This time, we'll introduce you to some of the "Animal Crossing" signs that are unique to Hokkaido.

Deer: Often Appearing at Dawn and Dusk

First up is the classic Hokkaido deer. When people think of deer in Japan, the ones in Nara often come to mind, but for the people of Hokkaido, the Ezo sika deer is the most familiar.

The Ezo sika deer is the largest of the seven subspecies of sika deer found in Japan, and they cause problems such as agricultural damage, entering and darting onto roads, and collisions with vehicles. The number of traffic accidents involving Ezo sika deer in Hokkaido reached 4,480 in 2022 and is increasing year by year. If you see this sign while driving, be extra cautious.

Bears: Never Approach Them

There are two types of bears in Japan: the Asiatic black bear and the brown bear. The brown bears that inhabit Hokkaido are large and powerful, making them the largest land animals in the country. Recently, they have been spotted more frequently in populated areas, and agricultural damage and human injuries are on the rise. They are probably the number one wild animal you'd rather not encounter. If you see one, never approach it.

Cows: The Stars of the Dairy Kingdom

This is the star representative of Hokkaido, the Dairy Kingdom. There are several municipalities in Hokkaido where the number of cows outnumbers the human population, and this sign is often seen on roads in the Eastern Hokkaido area, where dairy farming is prevalent. Just like the cow patterns, these signs come in various designs, bringing a heartwarming smile to our faces as we drive.