Wildlife of Hakuba

Going to Hakuba is not all about what you do on your board or your skis. Hakuba has a wide array of wildlife, and whilst some hibernate throughout the winter others can be seen straight from the chairlifts. All you need is a little luck and to keep your eyes out.

Animals you might see if you spend a few days on the slopes are:

• the Japanese serow (a very large antelope-goat creature weighing up to 130 kg). They feed on leaves, acorns and the buds of new leaves.
• the Japanese macaque which is the world's most northerly primate. One way it manages to keep warm is by bathing in the hot springs, and there are tours to go and see these monkeys running from Hakuba which you can tag onto your ski tour.
• the Japanese hare is endemic to Japan, and changes colour from brown to white in winter. It can be distinguished by the black tips on it's ears
• the Japanese Racoon dog is actually a distant relative of the dog, and not a racoon at all. It is omnivorous eating insects, rodents, leaves, bulbs and fruit.
• the Asiatic black bear has been seen in Hakuba village on occasions in the summer seasons. As it hibernates throughout from November to March you are unlikely to see it unless you are in Hakuba for spring skiing (April and early May). They are very uncommon but if seen should be given a wide berth.
• the Red Fox is native to Japan and can be seen from time to time in Hakuba. The author saw it cross a very steep slope high above Happo ski resort (and therefore way above the tree-line) with great ease.

Footprints in the snow

Whilst you are on that ski lift, take time to look for animal footprints. They are literally everywhere whenever you pass through a forested zone. The pictures below will help you identify which animal they belong to. Racoon dog footprints are similar to that of a fox, being taxonomically related