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Tourist feeding has overwhelmed Japan’s Rabbit Island, leading to ecological disruption and dangerous interactions between wild boars and rabbits. On Okunoshima, an island in Hiroshima Prefecture, unregulated feeding by visitors has caused a surge in rabbit populations, which in turn has triggered changes in local wildlife behavior and environmental degradation. Wild boars, drawn by discarded food, have begun hunting live rabbits, a behavior previously uncommon among these animals. The situation has raised concerns among ecologists and conservationists, prompting calls for stricter management of wildlife tourism on the island. The issue stems from years of unmonitored feeding by tourists eager to interact with the island’s famed rabbits. These animals, originally European domestic rabbits introduced to the island, have thrived due to consistent human-provided food. A study published in the Journal of Ecotourism on July 29, 2026, highlighted the consequences of this practice. The research, conducted by Shingo Kaneko, a professor at Fukushima University, and Asami Ogura, an associate professor at the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Kure College, found that the influx of food has disrupted the natural balance of the ecosystem. The study was initiated following requests from creators of the children’s picture book Usagi no Shima, who sought to understand the origins of the island’s wildlife and assess its health. Field observations revealed that wild boars, typically scavengers, have started hunting live rabbits. This shift in behavior was unexpected. “When we first heard that a wild boar had preyed on a live rabbit, we were surprised,” Kaneko noted. “Wild boars are known to scavenge animal carcasses, but they are not generally regarded as animals that actively hunt live prey.” The researchers documented frequent encounters between wild boars, rabbits, and humans on the island. They emphasized that the close proximity of these species has led to unusual interactions, altering the natural dynamics of the area. The overpopulation of rabbits has also caused severe damage to the island’s vegetation. The rabbits, which are not native to Japan, have overgrazed the land, leaving behind a distinct "rabbit line", an area where low-growing shrubs and tree branches have been entirely consumed. This pattern of overeating has left the island’s flora vulnerable and has contributed to soil erosion. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rabbit numbers spiked due to increased tourism, but declined sharply during lockdowns when fewer visitors arrived. However, the rebound in numbers since then has continued to strain the island’s resources. Beyond the impact on rabbits and boars, the feeding practices have attracted scavenger birds such as crows and black kites, which gather around food waste and animal remains. This has further complicated the local ecosystem, introducing new pressures on existing wildlife. The researchers stress that while wildlife tourism itself is not inherently harmful, the lack of regulation and oversight has led to unintended consequences. They advocate for strict guidelines on feeding practices, including restrictions on selling food to tourists and regular monitoring of rabbit populations. Long-term strategies would also involve restoring native plant life and studying the broader effects on the island’s biodiversity. Okunoshima, known as the "Rabbit Island," has a complex history. Before becoming a popular tourist destination, it was infamous for its role in World War II as a site where chemical weapons were developed and tested. The dark legacy of the island contrasts sharply with its current appeal as a place of whimsical interaction with rabbits. Today, the island faces a new kind of challenge, one that threatens its ecological stability and the safety of both wildlife and visitors. Local authorities, along with scientists and conservation groups, are working to address the growing crisis, seeking sustainable solutions that balance tourism with environmental protection.