Deer, with their grace and agility, have long captured the human imagination, featuring prominently in art, mythology, and culture across the globe.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious about these enchanting creatures, this guide serves as your window into the world of deer species, offering insights into their distribution, deer behavior, and conservation status.
Table of Contents
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
The White-tailed deer is a common sight in North America. It’s easy to spot because of its unique tail. When the deer runs, it lifts its tail and shows a white underside. This flash of white helps them talk to each other and gives them their name.
These deer have homes in many places. They can live in forests, fields, and even near people’s houses. They are good at finding food and staying safe in different areas. Because they adapt well, you can find them almost everywhere from Canada to South America.
- The white fur on their tails isn’t the only thing that stands out.
- Young deer have white spots when they are born which help them hide from danger.
Deer like these play an important role where they live. They eat plants which helps keep the forest clean and healthy.
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule deer are unique animals found in the western parts of North America. They get their name from their large ears which look like those of a mule. These ears help them hear very well. The mule deer’s habitat includes forests, deserts, and mountains.
These animals have a special way of moving called “stotting.” When they do this, all four feet leave the ground at once. It is like a series of high jumps that helps them escape predators.
Unlike white-tailed deer mentioned earlier, male mule deer become more active during mating season. This is when they search for females to mate with.
The males sometimes fight each other to impress the females. The winners may get the chance to be with more females.
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
The Red Deer stands out as one of the largest deer species. These majestic creatures roam across various parts of the world. They are native to places like Europe and Asia, and even Northwest Africa. The habitats they prefer vary from forests to open spaces.
Male Red Deer, known as stags, carry a distinctive feature. They have large, branched antlers that grow impressively each year. After mating season ends, these antlers fall off. Then a new set starts growing in springtime.
Unlike Mule Deer discussed earlier, Red Deer adapt to different environments outside North America too. Their ability to live in diverse climates is remarkable.
Female deer do not grow antlers like their male counterparts. Instead, they focus on raising young ones called fawns after spring arrives.
Hunting for Red Deer happens but it’s regulated strictly to ensure populations stay healthy worldwide.
This deer species has been part of human culture for centuries too—both admired and hunted by people throughout history.
Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Elk are large animals with impressive antlers. They live in both North America and Eastern Asia. People sometimes call them wapiti, which is a Native American word. Unlike red deer, elk have different habits and sounds.
These animals are famous for their loud calls. During the rut, which is their mating season, elks make bugling sounds. This noise can travel far through forests and fields.
- Elk’s antlers grow back every year.
- The antlers can be very big.
- Only male elk have these large antlers.
Elk use their antlers to show strength and to fight other males during the rut.
Moose (Alces alces)
Moose are the giant members of the deer family. They stand taller than all other species, with long legs and massive bodies. Males have huge antlers that spread out like open hands with fingers. These antlers can be wider than a tall man is high! Unlike elk, moose prefer being alone rather than in large groups.
Moose love cold weather and often live where it snows. They walk through forests looking for food such as leaves and twigs. In summer, they may eat plants from lakes or rivers.
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Reindeer are unique members of the deer family. Unlike moose, they live in arctic and subarctic regions. These areas are very cold and snowy. People have domesticated reindeer in some places. This means they raise them like farm animals.
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers every year. This is different from most other deer species, where only males have antlers. Their antlers fall off and grow back each year.
Reindeer also have thick fur to keep warm in their chilly homes. They travel long distances across their home ranges to find food.
In North America, people call these animals caribou when they’re wild.
- Reindeer can pull sleds.
- Their fur keeps them warm.
- Both males and females have antlers.
These animals play a big role for people living in the Arctic Circle. They rely on reindeer for transport, clothing, and food.
Conservation efforts help protect reindeer populations so that we can enjoy them for many years to come.
Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Roe deer are small and nimble creatures. They have coats that change with the seasons. In summer, their fur turns a lovely reddish-brown color. This helps them hide in the forests and fields where they live.
These deer are not just found in one place. They live across many parts of Europe and Asia. Because they are so widespread, many people from different countries might spot them while walking through nature.
Unlike reindeer that we talked about earlier, roe deer have smaller antlers. Only male roe deer grow antlers, which are short but very interesting to look at. Their antlers have three points each.
- Small size makes them quick
- Reddish-brown summer coat blends well
- Live all over Europe and Asia
- Males sport unique three-pointed antlers
Roe deer need to be careful because they can be hunted by larger animals due to their small size. However, being fast helps them escape danger most times.
They eat plants like leaves from trees and bushes as well as grasses on the ground – this is called browsing and grazing.
Remembering these details about roe deer can make a walk in nature more exciting:
- Look for small, quick animals.
- Notice if their coat is reddish-brown; it means it’s summertime.
- Watch out for males with short antlers having three points.
Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
The Sika Deer is a unique member of the deer family. It calls East Asia home but people have brought it to other places too. Unlike some deer that lose their spots as they grow, Sika Deer keep theirs even when they are adults. This makes them easy to spot and different from Roe Deer.
These animals are not quiet! They make many different sounds. Their calls can tell others about danger or help them find friends during mating season.
Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)
The Sambar deer is a large-bodied animal known for its impressive size and rugged antlers. It stands out among the various deer species for these features. These deer are often spotted in the wild, carrying their majestic antlers with pride. The antlers are not just for show; they play a crucial role during mating season when males compete to attract females.
This species has adapted well to different environments across South and Southeast Asia. They have made homes in countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unlike the Sika Deer from East Asia that prefers temperate forests, Sambar Deer thrive in tropical climates.
They love dense forests where trees grow close together. This gives them plenty of places to hide from predators like tigers and leopards. But that’s not all – they also need to be near water sources such as rivers or lakes.
- Large-bodied: Amongst the largest of Asian deers.
- Rugged Antlers: Used by males during mating challenges.
- Habitat Spread: Found throughout South and Southeast Asia.
These animals don’t wander far from water because it’s essential for their survival, especially in hot climates where staying cool is important.
Chital (Axis axis)
The Chital, also known as the spotted deer or axis deer, is a beautiful creature. It has a unique look that sets it apart from other deer species. The most striking feature is its coat. This coat is golden to ruddy brown, covered in white spots. These spots help the chital blend into the forest and grasslands of its home.
Chitals are found in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. They like forests, grasslands, and wetlands too. Unlike Sambar Deer which prefer dense brush, Chitals enjoy more open spaces where they can spot predators easily.
Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
The fallow deer is a beautiful member of the deer family. They are easy to spot because of their unique features. One thing people notice is their palmate antlers. These antlers look like hands with fingers spread out. Another special mark is their coat, which has spots on it.
Fallow deer were first found in Europe but now live in many places around the world. People moved them to new areas over time. Now, they can be seen in parks and wild lands far from where they started.
These deer like being around others and often form large groups called herds. In these herds, you will find both males and females together.
- Males show off their big antlers.
- Females care for their young ones.
While chital deer also gather in groups, fallow deer have different colors and patterns that set them apart.
Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii)
The Barasingha is unique among deer species. It loves wet areas like swamps and marshes. This is why it’s often called the swamp deer. These animals are not found just anywhere. They live mainly in India, where they roam grasslands near water.
Stags, or male swamp deer, have very impressive antlers. Their antlers spread wide with many points, known as tines. Each year they shed their old antlers to grow new ones. The new set can be even more complex!
Sadly, Barasinghas are in trouble today. They are an endangered species because there aren’t many left in the wild.
- Swamp deer prefer watery homes.
- Stags boast complex antler designs.
- Mostly found in India.
Unlike Fallow Deer that adapt to various habitats, Barasinghas need specific conditions to thrive.
To save them from disappearing forever, people work hard to protect these special creatures and their homes.
Pere David’s Deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
Pere David’s Deer, also known as the Milu, is a unique deer unlike any other. It can no longer be found in the wild and now only lives in places where humans care for them, like zoos or special parks. This species has an interesting mix of features: it has a long tail that sways behind it, its hooves are wide and remind us of a cow’s, and its neck stretches out much like a camel’s.
Father Armand David, a French missionary, was the first to tell people about these creatures. That is why they got their name after him. He saw them while he was on his travels in China many years ago.
Unlike Barasingha deer that thrive in swampy areas and have strong conservation efforts helping them survive, Pere David’s Deer faced a harder path. They were once common in China but completely disappeared from there due to hunting and loss of habitat.
Today, thanks to people who wanted to save this animal from vanishing forever, we can still see Pere David’s Deer alive though not roaming free as they once did. These animals show how humans can both harm nature but also help fix our mistakes by protecting endangered animals.
Pudu (Pudu puda)
The Pudu is the smallest deer species in the world. They are much tinier than Pere David’s Deer, which was discussed earlier. A full-grown Pudu might weigh as little as 20 pounds. Their small size helps them hide in their home, the temperate rainforests of South America.
These tiny deer have thick, reddish-brown fur that keeps them warm and dry. Even though they live in parks and protected areas sometimes, they prefer dense forests where it’s easier to stay out of sight. Pudus are hard to spot because they are very shy.
They spend a lot of time alone and avoid other animals when they can. Unlike many deer who live in herds, pudus do not often come together with others of their kind.
Their diet includes leaves, twigs, fruits, seeds, and flowers found on the forest floor.
- The Pudu’s small size helps it move through thick underbrush quietly.
- Its reddish-brown hair blends into the forest background.
- Weighing only around 20 pounds makes it lighter than most dogs!
Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
The Marsh Deer is the largest deer species found in South America. Unlike the smaller Pudu from the previous section, these deer are giants in their habitat. They have bodies built for life in wet areas. Their webbed hooves are like nature’s flippers, helping them swim well.
These animals love water and spend a lot of time in marshy lands. This is where they eat plants and stay safe from predators. But living here has become tough for them. The places they call home are disappearing fast.
- Adaptations: Webbed hooves help with swimming.
- Diet: Eats aquatic plants.
- Habitat: Lives in wetlands, often near rivers or lakes.
Sadly, Marsh Deer face two big problems today:
- Losing their homes due to land being used for other things.
- People hunting them, which is illegal but still happens.
Because of these issues, there aren’t as many Marsh Deer as there used to be. Scientists say they are now “vulnerable.” This means if we don’t act soon, they could become even more at risk.
We must protect the places where these deer live and stop illegal hunting to keep them safe.
Javan Rusa (Rusa timorensis)
The Javan Rusa is a unique member of the deer family. It lives on islands in Indonesia such as Java, Bali, and Timor. These deer love places where trees and grass are around. They find food and shelter in these areas.
This species likes to stay in groups. During the day, they may rest together in the shade of trees. When it gets cooler, they go out to eat plants and leaves.
Males have antlers that look different from other deer species. Their antlers are one big piece instead of many branches like some other kinds have.
- Native to: Indonesian islands
- Habitat: Open woodlands, grasslands
- Unique trait: One-piece antler structure
Unlike marsh deer from South America that enjoy wetlands, Javan Rusas prefer drier lands with lots of space to roam.
These deer play an important role in their home habitats. They help plants grow by eating them and moving seeds around when they walk through the forests and fields.
Philippine Deer (Rusa marianna)
The Philippine deer, also known as the Philippine sambar or Calamian deer, is unique to the Philippines. Unlike the Javan Rusa, it lives only in this island nation. These animals face big problems because of humans cutting down forests and hunting them too much.
- The deer live on several islands in the Philippines.
- They are losing their homes due to trees being cut down.
- People hunt them for food, which is making their numbers go down.
The Philippine deer’s situation shows us how important it is to take care of nature. Without healthy forests, these creatures have nowhere to live or find food. And if there’s too much hunting, there may come a day when there are no more Philippine deer left at all.
Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak)
The Indian Muntjac is a unique member of the deer family. Unlike larger relatives, it stands out due to its small size. These deer have bodies that are not much bigger than a medium-sized dog’s. They walk through forests with ease, thanks to their compact frames.
Their antlers are short but they should not be underestimated. Even though they are small, these antlers are very sharp and can be used for defense against threats. The males carry these pointy features and use them to fight during mating season or when they feel in danger.
One interesting fact about the Indian Muntjac is its nickname: “barking deer.” This name comes from the sounds they make. When alarmed or communicating with each other, their calls sound like a dog’s bark. This unusual call can echo through the forest and alert others of potential dangers.
These animals live across many places in Asia including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Taiwan and Southern China. Their ability to adapt has allowed them to thrive in various habitats ranging from hilly terrains to dense tropical rainforests.
Reeves’s Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Reeves’s muntjac is a small deer species. It is different from the Indian muntjac discussed before. This animal has made a home far from its native lands. In the UK, people can now find these deer living wild.
These animals are not very big. They like to live where there are lots of trees and bushes. This gives them places to hide and stay safe.
Males have antlers, but they are not large like some other deer. These little horns make it easy to tell males apart from females.
Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)
The tufted deer is a unique animal. It gets its name from the tuft of black hair on its forehead. This feature makes it stand out among other deer species. The tufted deer lives in the forested mountain regions of China. These areas have lots of trees and are very high up.
Unlike Reeves’s Muntjac, which you might see more often, tufted deer are hard to spot. They are known for being shy. Because they live in dense forests, it can be tough to find them.
Tufted deers like quiet places far from people. They eat plants that grow in their mountain homes.
These animals face risks because their homes are changing due to humans cutting down trees and using the land for other things.
Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis)
Unlike the Tufted Deer we just learned about, Water Deer have a unique feature. They do not grow antlers at all. Instead, male Water Deer have long, sharp canine teeth that look like tusks. These tusks can be quite noticeable when they open their mouths.
The Water Deer is originally from parts of Asia. They are native to China and Korea. People have also brought them to Europe where they now live too. Because of this move, there are wild populations living far from their original home.
These deer love being near water which is why they get their name. You will often find them by rivers, lakes, and marshes because these places have lots of plants for them to eat and water to drink.
Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis inermis)
The Chinese water deer is a unique animal. It lives near the Yangtze River in China. This deer is smaller than its cousin from Korea. Even though it’s small, this deer has something special about how many babies it can have.
This type of water deer can have a lot of babies at once. Sometimes, a mother may have up to six little ones! That’s more than most other deer types.
- The Chinese water deer is well-suited for life by the river.
- Its size helps it hide and move quickly through the grass.
- Having lots of babies means there are more deer to keep the species going strong.
These facts make the Chinese water deer very interesting to learn about!
Red Brocket (Mazama americana)
The Red Brocket is a deer species that stands out in the rich tapestry of wildlife. Unlike the Chinese Water Deer discussed earlier, which thrives near water sources, the Red Brocket calls the dense tropical forests its home. This animal has a striking reddish-brown fur that blends perfectly with its habitat. It roams through parts of Central and South America.
Being medium-sized, it moves with ease under the cover of forest canopies. The Red Brocket prefers to be active when most are asleep. Its nocturnal habits mean it searches for food at night. During daylight hours, it stays hidden from predators and human activity.
In these places, they adapt well to their surroundings. They eat plants found in their forest homes and sometimes venture into plantations nearby.
Brocket deer are not just unique for their color or where they live; they also have special ways of behaving:
Understanding animals like the Red Brocket helps us see how diverse life can be on our planet.
By learning about different species such as this one and how they survive, we gain insights into nature’s complex web. We appreciate each creature’s role within their ecosystem.
Brown Brocket (Mazama gouazoubira)
The Brown Brocket deer is a fascinating creature. It is smaller than its cousin, the Red Brocket. This size difference can be quite noticeable. The Brown Brocket has learned to live in many places that have changed due to humans or nature. These areas are called disturbed habitats.
They make their homes from the northern parts of Argentina all the way up to Mexico. That’s a long distance! They are good at finding food and shelter in these different places.
Unlike some other deer species, they don’t need large untouched forests to survive. They can even cross rivers if needed, which helps them move around their wide range of homes.
Dwarf Brocket (Mazama chunyi)
The Dwarf Brocket is a unique member of the deer family. It lives in South America, high up in the mountains. Unlike its relative, the Brown Brocket, this deer loves cold and misty places. These are called cloud forests.
This small deer has a big problem though. It’s hard to find and even harder to study. That’s because it lives in such remote areas. Scientists call these animals endangered because there aren’t many left.
The reasons for their low numbers are serious. They only live in one type of place: high elevation cloud forests. And those forests are getting smaller due to people cutting them down or changing them.
Gray Brocket (Mazama gouazoupira)
The Gray Brocket is another member of the deer family. It has a coat that looks more gray than the brown brocket’s. This deer is not very big. It is about the same size as its cousin, the Dwarf Brocket we talked about earlier.
Gray Brockets eat many different things. They like to munch on fruit and leaves from plants. These foods make up most of their diet. Since they eat various foods, these animals are not picky eaters.
These deer live in many places too. You can find them in open areas called savannas where there are few trees and lots of grasses to hide in. But they also feel at home in thick forests with tall trees all around.
Unlike some other animals, male Gray Brockets do not have big antlers; theirs are small.
Northern Pudu (Pudu mephistophiles)
The Northern Pudu is a remarkable creature. It is even smaller than its cousin, the Southern Pudu. These tiny deer live high up in the mountains. They make their homes in the Andean forests. This habitat is much different from where most deer live.
Because they are so high up, these pudus are hard to find. Their home in the clouds keeps them safe and hidden. This makes learning about them tough for scientists.
Their secretive nature means we have lots to learn about them still.
These little deer are part of what makes our world amazing. Each one has its own way of living and surviving.
Southern Pudu (Pudu puda)
The Southern Pudu is a small deer, but it’s slightly bigger than its cousin, the Northern Pudu. It lives far down in South America. You can find it in southern Chile and parts of southwestern Argentina. This little deer likes forests and thick bushes.
Sadly, their homes are getting smaller because people cut down trees for farms or buildings. When they lose their forest home, it’s hard for them to survive. They also have to watch out for other animals that might try to eat them.
People are working on ways to keep the forests safe so these tiny deers can live peacefully without losing their homes or running into too much trouble with predators.
Siberian Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus)
The Siberian Roe Deer stands out among all deer species. It is larger than its European cousin, the European roe deer. This size difference is not just a small change. It’s a big part of why the Siberian Roe Deer can live in such wide spaces.
These deer have homes in Asia’s forests and steppes. A steppe is a large area of flat land with no trees. Imagine an enormous field that goes on and on for miles! That’s where these animals like to be.
Unlike the Southern Pudu from before, which prefers dense forests, the Siberian Roe Deer needs more room to move around. They are not afraid to travel far either.
During certain times of the year, they go on long journeys called migrations. These trips can cover many miles! The reason they migrate is usually for food or better living conditions as seasons change.
What’s really amazing about these travels is how far they can go without stopping much!
European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
The European Roe Deer is a sight to behold across the landscapes of Europe. Unlike its cousin, the Siberian Roe Deer, it thrives in various regions from the United Kingdom to the Caucasus. This deer species is well-known for its adaptability and can be spotted in many settings.
These animals have a special trait that catches one’s eye: their coats change with the seasons. In summer, they sport a reddish-brown fur that blends into dry grasses and fields. When winter comes, their coat turns greyish brown, providing camouflage against snowy backdrops.
Their habitat preferences are unique too. They like living where woods meet open spaces. Here’s why:
- Woods offer shelter and safety.
- Open fields provide food sources like grasses and herbs.
This combination makes ideal homes for them.
European Roe Deers also have another interesting behavior – they’re solitary most of the time but come together during mating season. This gathering is quite different from how other deer often live in groups.
They play an important role in their ecosystems by helping plant growth through seed dispersal as they graze on vegetation.
Thorold’s Deer (Cervus albirostris)
Thorold’s Deer are unique animals. They have a white muzzle that stands out. This feature is easy to spot. These deer live very high up where the air is thin. They call the Tibetan Plateau home. It is a place with lots of grass but not many trees.
The land they live on is very high above sea level. It can be tough for other creatures to survive there, but Thorold’s Deer manage well. Their bodies are used to the less oxygen in the air.
Sadly, these beautiful deer face big problems. People hunt them even though it’s against the law. The hunters want parts of the deer for medicine.
- The white muzzle makes them special.
- They live in hard places and do okay.
- Poaching is a serious threat to their lives.
These issues make it hard for Thorold’s Deer to stay safe and keep their numbers up.
Hog Deer (Axis porcinus)
The Hog Deer gets its name because it runs through the underbrush like a pig. This is one way it stays safe in the wild. Unlike Thorold’s Deer, which prefers open spaces, the Hog Deer loves thick forests.
This animal was once found all over South Asia. Now, only small groups live far apart from each other. These small groups are called fragmented populations.
The Hog Deer feeds mostly when it’s dark outside. They look for grass to eat during this time.
Calamian Deer (Axis calamianensis)
The Calamian deer, also known as the Hog deer’s cousin, lives far from most other deer. They are only found on the Calamian Islands in the Philippines. These islands are their only home, making them very special.
Unlike many animals that live all over, these deer have a small place to call home. This makes it hard for there to be many of them. There aren’t many Calamian deer left in the wild which is why they’re called critically endangered.
- Endemic means they don’t live anywhere else.
- Critically endangered means they could disappear soon if we’re not careful.
They love thick forests where trees grow close together and tall grass hides them well. These dense lowland forests give them food and keep them safe from danger.
It’s important we look after places like this so these unique deer can survive and thrive.
Bawean Deer (Axis kuhlii)
The Bawean Deer is a unique species that lives in a special place. This deer can only be found on Bawean Island in Indonesia. The locals have another name for it: they call it Kuhl’s hog deer. Unlike the Calamian Deer from the previous section, the Bawean Deer has its own distinct habitat and challenges.
This type of deer likes to live in forests. Forests provide them with food, shelter, and safety. But their home is getting smaller because people are using more land for other things like farms and buildings. As the forest shrinks, so does the space for these deer to live.
The problem of losing their home is called habitat reduction. It means there isn’t as much wild area left for animals like the Bawean Deer to use. When their living space gets too small, it makes life harder for them.
To help understand why this matters, think about your own room at home getting smaller each day; eventually, you would not have enough space to do everything you need or want to do!
Protecting these animals means making sure they have enough forest left to live in peacefully without too many disturbances from humans.
Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi)
The Visayan Spotted Deer, also known as the Philippine spotted deer, is a unique animal. It has a beautiful coat with distinctive white spots on dark brown fur. This deer is not found everywhere. In fact, it lives only in the Philippines.
This species is very special but faces big problems. It’s considered critically endangered. This means there are not many left in the wild. They live on just two islands now: Panay and Negros.
Why are they in trouble? One main reason is hunting by people for a long time. Their homes in the forests are also being cut down or changed by humans.
Fea’s Muntjac (Muntiacus feae)
The Fea’s Muntjac lives in the mountains of Southeast Asia. It is a deer not many people know about. Scientists have not studied it much yet. This animal has a hard time because its home, the forest, is being cut down.
These muntjacs are different from the Visayan Spotted Deer talked about before. They do not have spots but share similar problems like losing their homes.
Black Muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons)
The Black Muntjac, unlike the Fea’s Muntjac, is known for its unique black woolly hair. This deer lives in the hilly forests of eastern China. It is not seen often by people. The Black Muntjac stands out because of its dark color.
This rare animal prefers to stay hidden, which makes it hard to help and protect them. Even with their shy nature, experts are working hard to keep these animals safe.
Giant Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis)
The Giant Muntjac was only found in 1994. This makes it a new discovery among deer species. It is one of the biggest muntjacs known, but experts still have much to learn about it.
Scientists do not know much about how many there are or how they act. They live in mountain ranges in Asia, which are hard to study. The forests where they live keep many secrets.
Sadly, these animals face big problems. People hunting them for food and other things is a major threat. Also, their homes are being broken up as land is used for farms and buildings.
This means that the areas where Giant Muntjacs can live safely are getting smaller. Because of this, it’s hard for them to find enough food and meet other muntjacs.
In comparing with the Black Muntjac from earlier sections, both species struggle with similar dangers like losing their homes and poaching. However, since we know less about the Giant Muntjac, protecting them is even more challenging. It’s important to work harder to keep these unique creatures safe.
