Nara, Japan, is renowned for its wild sika deer that freely roam Nara Park and the city’s ancient temples. These deer have become a significant attraction, captivating visitors with their seemingly polite “bowing” behavior. This unique interaction often sparks curiosity, prompting many to wonder why these particular deer perform such a distinctive gesture. The phenomenon is a fascinating blend of historical reverence, learned behavior, and natural instincts.
Understanding the Deer’s Movement
The “bowing” motion observed in Nara’s sika deer is a distinct head-dipping action. It is not a human-like bow, but a rapid lowering and raising of the head, often accompanied by an expectant gaze. This movement typically occurs when humans approach, especially if offering food. The deer may perform this head dip multiple times, particularly when anticipating a reward. This behavior is a learned response, developed through repeated interactions with people.
Historical Coexistence in Nara
The unique relationship between humans and deer in Nara has roots stretching back over a thousand years. Sika deer in Nara have long been considered sacred, believed to be messengers of the gods, specifically Takemikazuchi, one of the deities of the Kasuga Grand Shrine. Legend states that Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara in 768 AD riding a white deer, solidifying their divine status. This historical reverence led to a protected status; until 1637, killing a Nara deer was punishable by death.
This long history of protection fostered an environment where the deer became remarkably accustomed to human presence. Unlike wild deer elsewhere, Nara deer have largely been undisturbed by hunting within the sanctuary. After World War II, their status shifted to “natural monuments,” further safeguarding their presence and cultural significance. This continuous interaction over centuries laid the groundwork for their current tameness and unique behaviors.
The Impact of Human Feeding
The primary reason behind the deer’s “bowing” is their association of this gesture with food rewards. Tourists frequently purchase “shika senbei,” special crackers sold within Nara Park, to feed the deer. The deer have learned that approaching humans with crackers and performing the head-dipping motion often results in a treat. This has become a conditioned response, where the deer anticipate food after exhibiting the “bow.”
Repeated reinforcement by human feeding has ingrained the “bow” as a form of begging. While wild animals, their interactions with humans led to this specific learned behavior, which is not innate. Some deer may become persistent, repeatedly “bowing” or nudging visitors for crackers. This highlights how direct human interaction and consistent feeding practices shaped this distinctive trait.
Natural Deer Behaviors
While the specific “bowing” for food is a learned behavior unique to Nara’s deer, some natural deer movements bear a superficial resemblance. Deer naturally dip their heads for grazing or during social interactions. For instance, a head-down posture can indicate submission or aggression. Deer also perform a “head bob” when trying to gain a better visual perspective of a stationary object they perceive as potentially dangerous.
However, these natural movements differ in context and intent from the deliberate “bow” observed in Nara. The Nara deer’s head dip is specifically linked to soliciting food from humans. Its development and prevalence are a direct result of their unique, long-standing interaction with people and consistent availability of food rewards. The “bowing” is an adaptation, distinct from other natural behaviors, driven by the specific human-deer dynamic in Nara.