Vampire deer from Asia (4 photos + video)

The forests of North Korea and China are home to some of the most unusual members of the deer family—the water deer, often called "vampire deer." Instead of the usual antlers, males have long, curved fangs that can be extended during fights. During conflicts, the animals use them as weapons, trying to strike their opponents in the neck and assert their dominance.

Their unusual appearance is far from the only distinctive feature of these deer. Water deer are known for their frightening cries: at night, their sharp, loud howls are often mistaken for something mystical. Local residents, farmers, and even military personnel have reported that such sounds in the darkness can seriously frighten an unprepared person.

The population of these animals has increased significantly in recent years. Due to the decline in natural predators, cars are virtually the only remaining threat to them. At the same time, the deer themselves are increasingly causing problems for agriculture, actively grazing young shoots and crops on farmland. Despite their reputation as "scary" animals, in everyday life, water deer are quite cautious and appear quite harmless. This is especially true for females, who lack fearsome fangs.