Japan is a popular destination for many things from sushi, to exquisite technology among others. The country is located in southeast Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders Taiwan, the East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan. The location of the country means that it is rich in fauna and flora and when visiting the South China sea, you should make a point of visiting the region. According to recent statistics, the country is home to over a hundred million and with the water bodies surrounding the country, there is so much that you can do in Japan. The natural habitats, fauna, and flora in Japan are unique. Besides, Japanese islands stretch over a long distance, it covers a wide range of climatic zones. Therefore the wildlife is diverse. You will encounter many different animals including dangerous ones during your trip.
Japan also has endemic species which means that they are only found on the island and not any other place in the world. The five islands of Japan are home to some of the most dangerous species and fearsome species that can cause instant death. The animals in Japan usually mind their activities and you will never find them interfering with humans. However, when they feel threatened, these creatures are bound to attack. When people think of Japan they often think of the bustling cities of Osaka and Tokyo as well as modern technology. However, there are areas of Japan that make it unique with diverse fauna and flora.
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Mukade
Mukade is typically a giant centipede and just as the name indicates, it is a dangerous creature that can sting and inject a very dangerous venom. The centipede can grow up to 38 centimeters long and they usually consume arachnids, worms, and snails among other creatures. The toxin usually causes swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to anything then it is better that you avoid areas in Japan where these creatures thrive. When you do this, you reduce the chances of being stung or encountering dangerous creatures.
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Asiatic Black Bear
The Asiatic black bear is one of the endangered species in Japan and the Asian continent. It is imperative to note that these bears are usually violent because of human encroachment and they will attack you whenever they feel threatened. They have been inhabiting the mountainous areas of northern Japan and Honshu Island. However, due to human encroachment, these bears are almost experiencing extinction and you must avoid them when visiting the islands.
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Asian Hornet
The Asian hornet is one of the most dangerous creatures that you can find in Japan. This is the largest hornet in the world and they are very scary. Their sting is filled with venom and with their orange body and brown stripes across the abdomen, these hornets are very dangerous. You must avoid the areas that these hornets like to inhabit.
The venom from the hornet might not be lethal but they are known to cause permanent damage to the victim. The sting from the hornet causes anaphylactic shock and it could cause death to people who are highly allergic to histamines. The Asian hornets are known to kill normal bees within a short period and they are a very dangerous species because they might cause a reduction in pollination and eventually the growth of plants in nature.
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Pufferfish
The pufferfish is one of those creatures that people assume to be a delicacy in Japan. However, it is one of the deadliest creatures and you should avoid it in nature at all costs. When you see fugu on your menu just know that it is the pufferfish. The pufferfish is a unique creature because it has tetrodotoxin which is a dangerous substance that is lethal for any predators that are found in the seas and oceans.
The compound can be dangerous to humans as well hence the need to be careful and take precautions when swimming in the ocean or when exploring the aquatic environment. According to scientific data, the poison from the pufferfish can kill thirty adult people and it is more dangerous than cyanide. Besides, currently, there is no antivenom for this toxin that is produced by the fish. Only experienced chefs can prepare this meal and it is one of the most sought-after dishes in Japan.
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Japanese Keelback Snake
The keelback snake is one of the most unique creatures that is found in Japan. There are numerous species of this snake and not all of them are venomous. However, you must be careful when exploring the country on the dangerous effects of the venomous species of the snakes that are on the island. The keelback snake in Japan has a very high concentration of venom that when it injects into your system the body will experience paralysis, the heart will stop pumping and you might die of cardiac arrest.
The poison that is administered by this snake is transferred from the point of entry through the skin to other parts of the body. The Japanese keelback snake is known to ingest venomous frogs and hence the concentration of venom in this snake is highly dangerous. When bitten by a snake, you should seek immediate medical attention because the venom can be fatal. The keelback snakes in Japan vary from region to region and the habitat that they are living in a range from green, brown, or black. When hiking you should wear protective boots so that the poison might not harm you.
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The Habu Snake
The habu snake is classified under the pit viper snake and they are known for its highly temperamental behaviors. This type of snake is usually nocturnal and it is predominant in the Ryukyu Islands. It is the only viper that produces eggs, unlike the others which give birth to baby snakes. This snake is dangerous and you should avoid it when traveling to Japan. The venom is highly contagious and it is known to enter the bloodstream and cause central nervous system failure, difficulty breathing and lowered here rate.
If you are visiting the islands, you should look out for the snake. It is characterized by an olive or brownish body that is covered by brown or dark green wavy splurges. The adults can grow up to 5 feet and they often consume rodents. Attacks from the habu snakes are very lethal, some people have reported the loss of motor function hence you should avoid them. Hypotension is the main problem because it will lead to loss of oxygen in the brain and it will eventually lead to death.
Ussuri Brown Bears
The Ussuri brown bears are the most fearsome wild animals that you can interact with on your trip to Japan. These creatures are closer to their counterparts of the grizzly bears and they are not very pervasive as they are thought. They are very dangerous and are equipped with sharp teeth that can cause severe cuts and bruises. They mostly live in Ishikari and Hokkaido areas. Human habits and deforestation have caused the dwindling of their habitat and this has resulted in the bears becoming increasingly angry and violent. When exploring the region, you should avoid these bears especially when they are hungry or when they are nursing their young ones. Mothers with cubs are very violent. In a situation where you are attacked by the bears then you should visit a hospital immediately.
Japanese Wild Boar
The Japanese wild boar may seem to be a calm animal; however, these warthogs are very dangerous especially when they have their young ones around and when they are hungry. They have very sharp teeth and tusks and they are incredibly strong. These creatures can be very aggressive and they are not afraid of attacking you when they feel threatened or provoked. Wild boars are bulky animals and they can attack at any moment. They are omnivores and they consume all kinds of products from bugs and vegetation among others.
The boars often attack people in rice paddies and abandoned buildings because they are looking for food in these areas. Japanese wild boars are all over the islands except the Ryukyus and Hokkaido islands. If you find yourself on the receiving end of an attack you should think of fighting back using materials such as sticks or stones. Nevertheless, when you are attacked you should seek immediate medical attention because these are dirty creatures and they often carry bacteria.
Redback Spider
The redback spider is one of the most dangerous species that is found in Japan. These spiders have changed their features because of the environment in Japan and you will find them in countries such as Australia commonly called black widow spiders. It is believed that these spiders arrived in Japan via cargo and produce that was imported from Japan in the past decade. However, over the years the numbers of these spiders continue to rise steadily.
These spiders are known to be very good at hiding and you will find them in the most hideous places you can ever think of, from crevices to inside your boots. Some of the symptoms of someone bitten by the spider include vomiting, hypertension, sweating, nausea, abdominal pains, and lowered blood pressure. If you are stung or bitten by this spider, you must seek immediate medical attention for the antivenom.
Jorou Gumo
This creature goes by many names and the spiders are easily recognizable with their yellow and black color patterns. Jorou Gumo are often found hanging in their webs across formations. These spiders are very dangerous and they are always waiting for their prey before attacking them. It is integral that you should be careful when dealing with these creatures because the venom is highly concentrated and when they sting you are likely to experience lowered blood pressure, internal bleeding, and swelling among other symptoms. You must take care when moving around Japan and stay away from areas that are infested by these spiders. These spiders usually like dark areas, crevices, and places where they can weave their webs.
Japanese Mountain Leech
The Japanese mountain leech is a dangerous creature and it is one of the leeches that can cause death. According to some alternative medicine therapies, these leeches are suggested to improve blood flow. The Yamabiru as they are popularly known in Japan are very good suckers and they are terrestrial beings that often thrive on the ground. They usually into the socks and when the victim puts on the socks, they begin to suck them they feast on the blood and they can grow up to 1.5 centimeters. However, once they begin sucking the blood they can grow to huge sizes.
Japanese Mamushi Snake
The Mamushi snake is one of the most dangerous creatures that you can encounter in Japan these snakes are found in all Japanese islands. The name may be cute but this is not the case for the creature itself. They reside mostly in swampy areas and they are like the viper snakes. These snakes are lethal because they can inject venom into the victim, they have a wide head than the regular viper and their body is slightly long.
They have large diamond-like shapes on the skin and they are yellowish-brown or red depending on the environment that they inhabit. The Mamushi snake can grow up to 3 feet as an adult. A bite from the snake can cause dangerous bleeding and reactions such as muscle degeneration, skin necrosis, and liquefication of tissues. The presence of neurotoxin in the venom is known to cause paralysis. They usually consume small rodents and they could bite humans when they interfere with their habitat.
In conclusion, Japan is the best island nation that you can visit. With the diverse fauna and flora as well as a vibrant city nightlife you will enjoy your time in the country. However, always be cautious when moving around.
