Minamiuonuma is in a mountainous region with wildlife such as bears, deer, boars, and monkeys. When the temperature starts to drop in autumn, some wildlife need to eat a lot before hibernating in order to survive the long, snowy winter.
When food in the mountains is not sufficient, wildlife might come down from the mountains in search of food in farming communities and residential areas.
Wildlife may attack if surprised or caught off guard when humans are close. In order to warn the wildlife that there are humans around, people attach bells to their bags or clothing, carry whistles, or listen to music. These things are meant as a warning, in the hopes that the wildlife will avoid approaching an area where there are people around.
