Deer that carelessly roam around train tracks are causing major traffic disruptions in Japan.

The problem has worsened in recent years, especially in mountainous areas. But now researchers believe they may be on the verge of a solution, reports the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun.
On the outside, it looks like any other train. But to scare away the animals, it plays sounds of snorting deer and barking dogs. And during the tests, deer appeared only 7.5 times per 100 kilometers, which is a decrease of about 45 percent compared to when no measures had been taken.

In fiscal year 2016, train service was stopped or delayed 613 times due to collisions with deer or other wildlife, a record and an increase of 185 compared to the same period the previous year, according to the Department of Transportation.
The hope is that the new system will be put into use by March next year at the latest.

Source: TT