Deer found limping at beach in Taiwan during typhoon, likely chased by stray dogs

Injured sika deer trapped on Kenting Beach in Taiwan during typhoon

Beachgoers in southern Taiwan were shocked when an injured Formosan sika deer appeared on a beach during Typhoon Fung-wong on 12 Nov.

An online video shows the animal limping towards the sea in Kenting, seemingly weak and struggling to move.

Deer appears at Kenting beach during typhoon

Witnesses at Nanwan Beach said the deer was first spotted lying on the sand as strong winds and waves hit the area.

Some beachgoers tried to guide it away from the surf, but approaching it startled the animal.

The deer then fled back into the water, running between the waves before returning to shore.

Officials suspect deer fled from stray dogs

According to the Kenting National Park Administration, sika deer usually remain in forested parts of the park.

It is extremely rare to see them at beaches, let alone entering the sea.

Initial assessments indicated that the deer had likely been chased by stray dogs before it ran into the ocean out of fear, reports Taiwan’s ETtoday.

Officials believe the animal may have suffered bite injuries, which explain its limp and weakened state.

Rescue efforts on hold due to weather conditions

Park authorities were alerted shortly after the sighting. However, due to the typhoon conditions and the deer’s panic, the staff decided not to intervene immediately.

Officials said they will attempt rescue and treatment once the deer moves away from the coastline to a safer area.

The Kenting National Park Administration also reminded the public not to feed or abandon stray dogs in the area.

Stray dog attacks on wildlife occasionally occur in Kenting and can put protected species like the sika deer at risk.

At least 88 reported injured following typhoon

Xinhua reports that Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday evening and was downgraded to a tropical storm.

Meteorological authorities have issued a warning for strong winds in several areas of Penghu County.

Additionally, the typhoon was predicted to dump heavy rain across Keelung, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and the mountains around Taipei.

According to Japanese media NHK World, at least 88 injuries were reported in the north-eastern county of Hsinchu and the northern city of Yilan, which was considered the hardest-hit area.

Over 8,300 have been evacuated, and more than 1,000 homes were flooded in Su’ao Township.

Schools and offices were closed in central and southern Taiwan, including the coastal cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan, as well as the counties of Pingtung, Chiayi, and Miaoli, according to CNA.

Also read: Deer spotted swimming leisurely in sea off Taiwan amid sweltering heat, amuses Internet

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Featured image adapted from Susan Huang on Facebook and China Times.