World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Four fawns found dead at temple sites in Nara Park
Four fawns were found dead with body parts missing at temple sites in Nara Park, in western Japan.
The remains were discovered between August 21 and October 1, and the fawns were likely less than a month old.
Nara Park is home to more than a thousand deer and is a popular tourist destination.
An expert group said it seemed unlikely that other animals had eaten the remains.
Officials have shared the cases with police because people may have harmed the fawns, though there is no firm evidence of a crime.
Deer in Nara are protected under Japan’s cultural properties protection law.
The prefecture and temples have stepped up patrols, and the governor is asking the public for information.
Four dead fawns with missing body parts were found at temple sites in Nara Park in recent months.
The carcasses were found on Aug. 21 and Oct. 1 near Kofukuji Temple, and on Aug. 27 and Sept. 17 near Todaiji Temple.
An expert organization said it appeared unlikely that other animals had eaten the carcasses.
The local government shared information with police because the fawns may have been harmed by humans.
Nara Gov. Makoto Yamashita said there was no firm evidence of criminal intent, but the cases appeared extremely unnatural.
- Who
- Four fawns, likely less than a month old, were found dead.
- What
- Their carcasses were missing body parts.
- When
- Aug. 21, Aug. 27, Sept. 17 and Oct. 1.
- Where
- At temple sites in Nara Park, near Kofukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan.
- Why
- Not stated. The local government said the fawns may have been harmed by humans.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A carcass was found on an approach to Kofukuji Temple.
A carcass was found near Todaiji Temple's hall enshrining the Great Buddha statue.
Another carcass was found near Todaiji Temple's hall enshrining the Great Buddha statue.
A carcass was found on an approach to Kofukuji Temple.
- Fawns found
- 4
- Likely age
- Less than a month old
- Kofukuji Temple dates
- Aug. 21 and Oct. 1
- Todaiji Temple dates
- Aug. 27 and Sept. 17
- Protection
- Nara deer are protected under the cultural properties protection law
4 sources
Deer carcasses near Nara temples prompt patrols over ‘unnatural’ deaths
Dead fawns with missing body parts found at Nara temples in western Japan
UPDATE1: Dead fawns with missing body parts found at Nara temples in western Japan
What people are saying
While there is no firm evidence of criminal intent, the cases appear extremely unnatural.
While there is no firm evidence of criminal intent, the cases appear extremely unnatural.