'Unicorn' deer with rare single horn spotted in Italy

Praxius

Mass'Debater
Dec 18, 2007
10,609
99
48
Halifax, NS & Melbourne, VIC

This undated photo provided by the Center of Natural Sciences in Prato, Italy, Wednesday, June 11, 2008, shows a deer with a single horn in the center of its head. (AP / Center of Natural Sciences)

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080612/Unicorn_deer_080612/20080612?hub=World

ROME -- A deer with a single horn in the centre of its head -- much like the fabled, mythical unicorn -- has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy.

The one-year-old Roe Deer -- nicknamed `Unicorn' -- was born in captivity in a park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence.

He is believed to have been born with a genetic flaw; his twin has two horns.

Calling it the first time he has seen such a case, an official at Prato's Centre of Natural Sciences said today such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history, from ancient and medieval texts to the adventures of Harry Potter.

Experts say single-horned deer are rare but not unheard of - but even more unusual is the central positioning of the horn.
 

karrie

OogedyBoogedy
Jan 6, 2007
27,780
285
83
bliss
2 things.

1... Unicorn? Are you serious? They named him 'Unicorn'? Come on people. That's lame! You'd think they could have at least gone with Nico or something. Sheesh.

2.... How long do you suppose before someone poaches him and takes his antler?
 

Tonington

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 27, 2006
15,441
150
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That must be a rare abnormality. Imagine this guy trying to lock antler with another buck? I guess he could just poke the other buck's eyes out! I say call him Moe.
 

Unforgiven

Force majeure
May 28, 2007
6,770
137
63
2 things.

1... Unicorn? Are you serious? They named him 'Unicorn'? Come on people. That's lame! You'd think they could have at least gone with Nico or something. Sheesh.

2.... How long do you suppose before someone poaches him and takes his antler?

Could have been worse, could have called him blacky.

"Get him Ned, he's coming right for us!"
 

Nuggler

kind and gentle
Feb 27, 2006
11,596
140
63
Backwater, Ontario.
8OHey!!! Whassamatta fo you??

Issa Italian deeah, hey!!!

He'sa gotta onea horn

Horny Italain Deeah!! Alla Italian Deeah isa horny, capice??

You keepa makin fun, Im'a gett a Tony.:cool:

Badda bing badda boom you mudda@%&(!%$!!!!!

:reindeer:Issa my cuzzin ok??