Aggressive macaques take over Japanese resort: residents fear attacks

A group of 20 aggressive macaques terrorize residents and tourists in the Japanese resort town of Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture. Animals attack people, climb into homes and steal things. About the situation reports the publication Soranews24 with reference to local data.

The city is known for its thermal springs, but the behavior of primates causes concern among local residents and representatives of the tourist business. Hotel owners fear the attacks will scare away holidaymakers and damage the resort's economy.

According to local authorities, more than six thousand cases related to the actions of macaques were registered in 2025. We are talking about attacks on people, penetrations into residential buildings and theft of things.

In September, an unusual incident occurred: a group of monkeys surrounded a man in his 40s on the street. One of the macaques bit him. According to the source, for the entire period of observation, such cases were not previously recorded.

An aggressive group of 20 primates was designated T1. Biologists have not yet established the exact cause of changes in animal behavior. According to one version, macaques could become more aggressive after a conflict with a person. Another assumption is that monkeys inhabit abandoned buildings and gradually lose fear of people.

Local authorities have already caught two alpha males from the group and provided them with GPS trackers. This will allow you to track the movements of animals and quickly respond to new incidents.

Among the possible measures to combat the problem is the demolition of abandoned buildings in which macaques settle. Residents and hotel owners expect authorities to stop the attacks and keep Yugawara attractive to tourists.