Itty Bitty Deer


I love wildlife, and spotting cute, cuddly little woodland creatures makes me exceedingly happy.  So today, while we were walking around the gorgeous estate of Wrest Park, just half an hour from here, it was the wildlife as much as the incredible gardens that I enjoyed.




There were swans and ducks on the "Long Water"as well as pheasants skirting across the paths.  On one such path, where the dried leaves covered the ground and the canopy of trees surrounded you, I looked up to see a little white tail hopping about.  "A rabbit!" I shouted with excitement.  Then upon second look, I realized it wasn't a rabbit.  My brain quickly went through all possibilities of creatures: large rabbit, small pig, dog, etc.  Then, I realized it had hooves and a white tail like all of those huge deer I saw yesterday.  Yes, this little creature that I mistook for a rabbit was in fact a deer!  It was in fact one of the most adorable little things that I had ever seen!

We all watched the little one scramble about, scared to death of us as we continued in curious gazes, wondering about him.  Like a rabbit, this little one who would barely have come up to my knees, scurried about the underbrush, watching us and not wanting to be seen.  I had a very difficult time catching a picture of him!


We asked some employees about the creatures, and while they seemed surprised that we had had the rare opportunity to see one of these miniature deer, they quickly knew what we were talking about: a muntjac deer.  These deer, as I have learned, are originally from China and were actually brought here by the Duke of Bedford (whose deer sanctuary we saw yesterday!) many, many years ago.  The deer, which have now spread throughout the area, have now become a problem, just as most non-native animals do.

As it is difficult to show his size without giving a comparison, I found this video of a pet muntjac deer in and amongst a menagerie of other pets.

My parents and I thoroughly enjoyed our outing, enjoying all sorts of local joys and surprises! :)


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