Wild Tianshan red deer spotted in snow-covered forests in Xinjiang

A doe nursed her fawn and led it slowly through the dense forest. Now and then they stopped and looked around alertly, or stretched their sturdy legs and ran across the snow, nimble and free.

The wild Tianshan red deer, a species under second-class State protection in China, is known for its stocky and agile build. It has a large head, broad forehead, and strong limbs. In winter, its dark summer coat gives way to lighter downy fur, and its distinctive heart-shaped rump patch makes it easily recognizable.