Spotted deer in Tsentralny Reserve start coming to people for food

The inhabitants of the Tsentralny zoological reserve in Saratov Region, Russia, are appearing near people more often. As reported by the region«s committee for hunting and fisheries, spotted deer have stopped being afraid and run out at the sound of snowmobiles that bring them food.

Over recent years, the number of animals in this specially protected area has significantly increased. If four years ago there were almost no moose, deer, and hares here, and roe deer numbered no more than 150 individuals, now populations are actively recovering.

Moreover, a rare species has reappeared in the reserve — the black grouse, listed in the Red Book of Saratov Region. Specialists have already counted about 50 individuals of this bird. The reserve territory is under constant protection, and special equipment is used for counting animals and supplementary feeding. In winter — due to deep snow and scarce natural food sources — about 80 tons of grain are delivered for the reserve«s inhabitants.

Such measures not only support the animals during the cold period but also contribute to the recovery of rare species populations in the protected area. In the footage, it can be seen that the animals run out onto the field from the forest. Moreover, the footage shows that dozens of adult and young deer come out to people.