Unicorn found in Italy

[Ron Caliburn]

Okay, sure it's a deer not a horse, but it isn't that far of a stretch . . .

ROME - A deer with a single horn in the centre of its head - much like the fabled, mythical unicorn - has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy.

The one-year-old Roe Deer - nicknamed "Unicorn" - was born in captivity in a park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence. He is believed to have been born with a genetic flaw; his twin has two horns.

Calling it the first time he has seen such a case, an official at Prato's Centre of Natural Sciences said today such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history, from ancient and medieval texts to the adventures of Harry Potter.

Experts say single-horned deer are rare but not unheard of - but even more unusual is the central positioning of the horn.

[Cybermancer]

[Robyn]

I for one, would like to study this creature. If only for it's uniqueness. Not invasively, at least not during its natural life span.

[concrete_Angel]

Most unicorns aren't really horses. They are in stories, but in reality a unicorn is most likely found as a goat or deer, or an animal that would naturally have horns to begin with. I've actually seen a live unicorn that was a goat with a single horn in the middle, instead of two on the sides. Technically, that might be a more scientific reason, but I'm no scientist, so you get what you get from me.

[Ethan Skinner]

Reminds me of this little guy I heard on the news some time ago. They say it's a genetic anamoly. Has nothing to do with crested ducks.
So they say.

[Bearshaman]

BUT...just to play Devil's Advocate here, no pun intended, what if it were a REAL Unicorn. Not just a mutuation. That would be amazing, for one thing, it would be a good magical creature, rather than the things we are normally watching out for and fighting against. I for one would find that a bit refreshing for a change.