“Unicorn” Specimen of One-Horned Roe Deer Discovered in Slovenia

Do unicorns really exist?

Scientists in Slovenia have found a genuine specimen of a one-horned animal but, sadly for magic believers, this animal is not a real unicorn but a roe deer with an antler deformity.

Still, this animal was so interesting that it was featured on the National Geographic and extensively studied by biologist Boštjan Pokorny.

Now, deer with deformities in its antlers or those who only have one antler are believed to be at a disadvantage when it comes to finding a mate because their prowess is often measured by how grand their antlers are. Based on extensive observations, scientists have concluded that female deer are more attracted to males with the largest antlers.

According to Pokorny, however, it is possible that the one-horned roe deer discovered in Slovenia did not have problems with finding a mate as it had quite a large body, something that female roe deer also appear to favor as with males with large antlers.

Of course, deer and other species with antlers do experience some type of deformity yet this specimen is believed to be the most unusual found so far.

So, is this roe deer proof that unicorns exist? Well, magical unicorns may not really exist but we can still call unusual animals like this one as a “unicorn”; though it would be easier and more practice to use the term one-horned roe deer, instead.

NOTE: For photo of the “unicorn” roe deer’s skull, click here to visit the National Geographic article

Sources: National Geographic, IFL Science