Dead fawns with missing body parts found around Nara Park | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News - NHKニュース

Japan's Nara Prefecture says four dead fawns with missing body parts have been found around Nara Park, and that the protected animals may have been harmed by humans.

The park in western Japan is known for its free-roaming wild herds of deer, which are designated as a national natural monument.

The prefecture said on Friday that the four fawns were found between late August and October 1, some on the grounds of Todaiji and Kofukuji temples. All were believed to have been dead for less than a week when they were discovered.

Carcasses of deer attacked by raccoons and other wild animals have been found in Nara Park before, but not as frequently as in the latest cases. An investigation by an expert body commissioned by the prefecture concluded that it is unlikely that the fawns were attacked by wild animals.

Nara Prefecture says it has notified the police. Harming the iconic animals constitutes a violation of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

Nara Governor Yamashita Makoto called on the public to come forward with any information. He also said the prefecture will work with relevant organizations to prevent similar incidents.