Herd of deer found in Japan's Southern Alps, raising ecosystem concerns

NAGANO, Japan - A large herd of deer was spotted this summer in the Southern Alps on the border of Ina and Oshika in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with officials voicing concern about damage to vegetation.

The deer are believed to be expanding their habitat into higher elevations against a backdrop of the effects of global warming. Damage has been confirmed, with alpine plants eaten or trampled.