Abstract |
In Japan, the number of local governments prohibiting feeding of wild animals in municipal bylaw has increased recently. Feeding of brown bears, wild boars, and Japanese monkeys for recreational purposesis prohibited in some municipalities. In Sapporo City, feeding of squirrels and wild birds in the suburban forest is causing concern, and conflict with other visitors is increasing (Aikoh & Wei, 2013). The manager cannot take specific countermeasures, because feeding is not prohibited in the suburban forest. Therefore, it is becoming necessary to understand the attitudes of visitors for feeding. In this study, we investigated the actual situation regarding feeding of wild animals in a suburban forest, and visitors’ attitudes towards feeding activities, proper distance from wild animals, and the necessity of countermeasures against feeding. We aimed to propose suggestionsbased on our results for the future management of the suburban forest in Sapporo city. |