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It is quite likely that it would be illegal to carry bear spray or anything like it in Japan. They have an ill defined law about carrying harmful items “without reasonable cause”, fear of bears, just in case, may not qualify.
Bear spray is available for hire from a national park centre in Hokkaido where there is a substantial population of brown bears. So I think it is probably legal when its use is justified.It is quite likely that it would be illegal to carry bear spray or anything like it in Japan
You're having a Giraffe mate aren't you? Please say yes...Bear spray is available for hire from a national park centre in Hokkaido where there is a substantial population of brown bears. So I think it is probably legal when its use is justified.
I didn't bother with bear spray in Japan myself. I remembered the advice I once read being offered by a ranger to a hiker in bear country - "If you meet one and it turns hostile throw human excrement at it." "What if I can't find any?" "I promise you that won't be a problem..."Should you just accept the model they offer or ask what else is available?
Rather than a specific item, you may consider a 'multi-purpose' approach.Hi, everyone! Does anyone have advice on where to buy or rent bear spray in Japan for the Kumano Kodo?
I know it might be overkill, but I'd rather have some and not need it than need it and not have it. We also plan on bringing some bear bells.
Tricky. Wouldn't you have to spray it straight up into the branches of the trees? Then get drenched in chilli extract as the stuff lands back down on you and becomes a marinade and a condiment? And if the drop bear has already launched itself is there much chance that chilli juice hitting its backside can change its trajectory anyway?Is this so called ' Bear Spray ' useful against the Devilish and extremely dangerous Nocturnal Drop Bear ?
I can personally confirm that there are venomous snakes on the Nakahechi route. Mamushi are seen quite often. Very similar to the Copperhead in North America. Watch your step!
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I personally feel that renting a bear spray is overkill. They are not like grizzly bear. Those bears, if you are lucky to spot any, are shy and and would avoid people. The only dangerous situation might be if you surprise them while a female bear is nursing a young.
By the way, are you going to pack anti-snake venom kit? There are many "watch poisonous snakes" warning signs.
Haven't heard of hikers carrying anti-venom. On the trails around Kumano, I think you're generally close enough to civilization to be able to call for medical attention quite quickly. The venomous snake you'll find through most of Japan is a type of viper called "Mamushi." I've heard that its venom is generally not life threatening to adults unless you suffer a bite to the face or neck. Old guys who go rooting around for them *(to put into bottles of hooch) are more likely to get that kind of bite.Any advice on what kind of anti-snake venom kit would be best?
It would not be wise to underestimate the potential threat from mamushi venom. Between 2,000 and 3,000 bites per year in Japan resulting in around 10 deaths annually and lengthy hospital stays for many others. They are not particularly aggressive snakes and will usually try to avoid contact where possible. I have not read of anyone carrying antivenom on the Kumano Kodo. In the unlikely event of a bite the general first aid actions for snakebite would be to bandage the entire bitten limb tightly to immobilise it then remain as still as possible until help can arrive. Though that might not be practical if walking solo.I've heard that its venom is generally not life threatening to adults unless you suffer a bite to the face or neck.
It would not be wise to underestimate the potential threat from mamushi venom. Between 2,000 and 3,000 bites per year in Japan resulting in around 10 deaths annually and lengthy hospital stays for many others. They are not particularly aggressive snakes and will usually try to avoid contact where possible. I have not read of anyone carrying antivenom on the Kumano Kodo. In the unlikely event of a bite the general first aid actions for snakebite would be to bandage the entire bitten limb tightly to immobilise it then remain as still as possible until help can arrive. Though that might not be practical if walking solo.
Haven't heard of hikers carrying anti-venom. On the trails around Kumano, I think you're generally close enough to civilization to be able to call for medical attention quite quickly. The venomous snake you'll find through most of Japan is a type of viper called "Mamushi." I've heard that its venom is generally not life threatening to adults unless you suffer a bite to the face or neck. Old guys who go rooting around for them *(to put into bottles of hooch) are more likely to get that kind of bite.
Japan"s other famously venomous snake is called "Habu" and is only found in Okinawa - in the far south. (And there are various sea snakes down in the far south - don't mess with them).
You are right. Any attempt to communicate risk is fraught with difficulties. People worry disproportionately about some things but my post probably understates the dangers of mamushi.It would not be wise to underestimate the potential threat from mamushi venom. Between 2,000 and 3,000 bites per year in Japan resulting in around 10 deaths annually and lengthy hospital stays for many others.
Good point. I always have a mobile phone and I get decent reception even on mountain trails. But I guess some International visitors don't have that. Especially if you're solo, I think it's worth shelling out some cash to ensure you have mobile communications capabilities - whether data roaming or local device rental.Though that might not be practical if walking solo.