Armenia’s Ministry of Environment has warned that in recent days deer have been increasingly spotted near settlements, sometimes even entering residential areas, and has urged the public not to approach them.

The warning was shared in a Facebook post by the press secretary of the Minister of Environment, Ani Hakobyan.

“Recently, photos and videos have been circulating online showing red deer approaching settlements and sometimes appearing even in residential zones.

Dear citizens, we inform you that red deer are wild animals whose behavior can be unpredictable, especially in the presence of humans or under noisy conditions.

Their movement toward settlements may be due to various natural factors, including weather changes, scarcity of food resources, or certain shifts in their habitat.

We urge you to exercise maximum vigilance and responsibility in such cases, adhering to safety rules.

Please do not approach the animals and maintain a safe distance,” the statement said.

Footage has circulated online showing a Caucasian red deer roaming forests of Lori. In 2025, nine individuals were released into the wild, and the first calf has already been recorded. Currently, 18 individuals live freely.