Taipei Travel

Taipei’s lush, low-elevation mountains mean wildlife sightings are pretty common, but recently, some unexpectedly cute visitors have been wandering into the urban jungle. This past May, the Taipei City Animal Protection Office (TCPAO) successfully rescued two Formosan Muntjac fawns—both under four months old—after they strayed into residential neighborhoods. While these "barking deer" look incredibly cute, experts warn they are also notoriously fragile. High levels of stress can cause them to go into shock or even die. Fortunately, thanks to quick reporting from local residents, both fawns were safely secured and are now thriving under professional care while they prepare to return to the wild. 

So far this year, the TCPAO has already responded to 24 Muntjac rescue calls, with most sightings concentrated in the Shilin and Neihu districts—areas packed with shrubs and ferns these animals love to snack on. However, rescuing them is a race against time. Nearly 30% of the Muntjacs reported this year didn't make it, essentially "scared to death" before rescuers could even reach them. Officials are stressing a major warning to the public: if you spot a Muntjac, do not chase, corner, or try to catch it yourself. Doing so triggers extreme panic, which can lead to sudden heart failure.

For a rescue to be successful, these highly sensitive animals need to be kept in a quiet, dark, and well-ventilated space. Officials strictly advise against binding or tying them up, as the physical restraint causes fatal stress. If you spot an injured or trapped muntjac, keep your distance and immediately call the 24-hour 1959 Animal Protection Hotline. Residents can also use the Taipei City Government LINE@ official account to upload photos or videos, allowing rescue teams to quickly identify the species and assess the situation before heading out.