The city of Nara in Japan has a unique demographic. Sika deer, who are allowed to live among the residents, and are quite comfortable mingling with their human counterparts.
Indeed, the deer of Nara have become so entrenched in Japanese culture that they’ve been known to ‘bow’ to humans to receive a snack. Special ‘deer biscuits’ are available for purchase, and can be fed to the deer in the city’s parks.
The gentle deer are remarkably well adjusted to this modern city, walking down sidewalks, and even crossing streets at proper intersections. Their calm demeanor have allowed them to fit into the culture of the city.
The clip below is from the BBC’s Asia, a seven-part series narrated by none other than David Attenborough.
Images via BBC.
deer comfortably mingling at an intersection
male deer have their antlers removed for the season to prevent injury
deer crossing a crosswalk with a human
A male deer in the city of Nara
The Sika deer are quite comfortable in the city.
deer and humans walking together
Indeed, the deer of Nara have become so entrenched in Japanese culture that they’ve been known to ‘bow’ to humans to receive a snack.
deer biscuits available for purchase
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