A police officer drives the sika deer forward while keeping a safe distance and following behind on September 1, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the Wechat account of Xiaoxiang Morning Herald

Two sika deer strolling through the streets of Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, drew both laughter and concern on Monday evening, as a police officer jogged behind them to ease traffic, underscoring the city's unusual coexistence with its beloved but unpredictable "internet celebrity" animals.

Several Dalian residents shared videos showing two deer strolling near a local square. When police arrived, one officer clapped his hands to drive the deer forward while keeping a safe distance following behind, according to Xiaoxiang Morning Herald.

The scene amused many netizens, who joked online. Some even noted that the officer seemed quite happy as he jogged a few steps after the deer.

On Tuesday, an officer from the related station told Xiaoxiang Morning Herald that sika deer have become a "calling card" of Dalian. "Their movements are basically in a free state," the officer said.

As for the previous night's situation, the officer explained: "If they run onto the road and affect traffic, once we receive a report, we'll respond to help regulate traffic order and drive them toward a relatively safer location."

An official from the Dalian natural resources bureau noted that while the deer are adorable and coexist harmoniously with people, "certain risks remain. We often organize public-awareness activities in the community to remind people to keep a distance, since after all, they still retain some wild instincts."

Dalian's "internet celebrity" sika deer roam freely through the city's streets and alleys. Thanks to strong local awareness of wildlife protection, these deer are no longer afraid of humans, the report said.

Xiaoxiang Morning Herald