Are muntjac usually this tame?

[Richard Baber]

Hi

A muntjac has been visiting my neighbour's back garden for the past couple of days. It seems very tame, allowing me to poke my head and camera over the fence. It does look a little 'tatty', perhaps, and there are a couple of nicks in its ears, so perhaps it's getting on a bit. It trotted off into another garden, apparently without injury, when I brought my daughter out to look at it.

I would like to know if muntjacs are normally this tame or could it have a problem? I live towards the end of a road that ends in beech woods and often see muntjac there, some of which are pretty tolerant of me stolling by, but they usually scarper if I stop to look at them.

Grateful for any comments.

Thanks
Richard

[ViperaBerus]

It's either come in contact with people a lot before, or is weak and taking bigger bolder risks.

[mbaldw]

Originally Posted by Richard Baber

I would like to know if muntjacs are normally this tame or could it have a problem? I live towards the end of a road that ends in beech woods and often see muntjac there, some of which are pretty tolerant of me stolling by, but they usually scarper if I stop to look at them.

Nice photo, Richard! Ordinarily, I find muntjac the most difficult deer to see (I usually get little more than a fleeting glimpse). That said, we had a doe in our garden last year (below) who seemed fairly unconcerned by my leaning out of the window to take photos. It seems to me that, like foxes, muntjac living in our parks and gardens quickly become used to the comings-and-goings of people and realise that (in most cases) there is nothing to fear. The fact that it got up and moved away when you approached is a good sign, indicating that it is not complacent.



Cheers,
Marc.

[darrenm]

Saw a Muntjac at Wicken Fen a few weeks back that didnt seem bothered by the hordes of day trippers and it hung around near the visitor centre car park ona very busy Sunday. I thought it may have been hand reared Anyone know???

[wizzo]

Sorry, I can't answer your question Richard but nice shot - Wizzo

[Farplace]

It may just be a trick of the light, but it looks a bit skinny to me round the back end. I don't think it's too well. However, because it trotted off normally, it should manage ok.

[aeshna5]

A couple of years back there was a very tame female that used to appear close to the picnic tables at Minsmere.

[Richard Baber]

Thank you all for your replies. I did get the impression that it was past its prime, but it was sheltering from the rain and I don't look too special when I'm drenched. I shall keep an eye out for its return.

Marc - love your website.

Richard

[The Woodman]

It doesn't look right to me. An old animal I think with a staring coat and an unnatural resting place. Could be a mis placed or dominated male feeling sorry for himself.