OSAKA - Four dead fawns with missing body parts were found in recent months at famous temple sites in Nara Park, a popular tourist spot known as a habitat for over a thousand deer, the local government in western Japan said Friday.
An expert organization that was consulted by the Nara prefectural government said it appeared unlikely that other animals had eaten the carcasses. The local government shared information with police, given the possibility that the animals had been harmed by humans.
Nara Gov. Makoto Yamashita said he would like to "bring attention" to the incidents and obtain more information from the public.
"While there is no firm evidence of criminal intent, the cases appear extremely unnatural," he said.
The carcasses were found on an approach to Kofukuji Temple and elsewhere on Aug. 21 and Oct. 1, and near Todaiji Temple's hall enshrining the Great Buddha statue on Aug. 27 and Sept. 17. The fawns were likely less than a month old.
The prefecture and temples have strengthened patrolling.
The deer in Nara are protected under the cultural properties protection law.
