Carnivorous Deer

[tedster]

This one really creeped me out. On the National Geographic Channel, I watched a documentary about these Scottish deer who are supplementing their diet by killing and eating small birds. They had actual videos of this creepy change in behavior.

Bambi, where did we fail you?

National Geographic Story [news.nationalgeographic.com]

[wolfadeus]

Creepy. I didn't find the video, though.

[trillianjedi]

Weird. What the article didn't make clear (or maybe I missed it) is what caused the need for a supplemental diet in the first place? If this is a change in behaviour then there must be a corresponding change in environment. Climate change or something?

I couldn't find the video either... probably just as well!

[Tourz]

If I remember correctly, I think they are doing it for the calcium in the bones. It has been documented in sheep stuck on islands with mineral deficient soil.

You guys ever seen cannibalistic gophers? That is even more gross.

[minnapple]

Occasionally on my property, I see animals consuming things I wouldn't expect them eat.
They are sick and desperate and very dangerous to approach.

[rj87uk]

Wildlife film director Jacqueline Farmer said, "This behavior has never been filmed before. Hopefully the footage will form part of a documentary we're making about the way animals use natural medicines."

[wolfadeus]

I thought they said in the article it was due to the increased need for clacium that is caused by the growth of antlers; I heard of antilopes that eat limestone sands for the same reason.

[glengara]

Squirrels are at it too..

[news.bbc.co.uk...]

[vibgyor79]

Animals keep evolving. Very soon, expect deer to chase you up a tree.

[rj87uk]

Very interesting - Does anyone have any more stories on this topic? I think it really is interesting some of the things that are happening!