Pulling the wool over their eyes – the stag who thinks he’s a sheep

A young stag who has found a home in a field full of sheep in Tuttington.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

This handsome young stag – nicknamed Steve – has set up home among a flock of sheep, who have adopted him as one of their own.

The sika deer managed to get into the fenced enclosure, on a farm in Tuttington, near Aylsham, around a month ago, presumably by leaping over the fence. Ever since, he has stuck close to the sheep and lambs, following the flock around, munching grass with them, and showing no inclination to return to the wild. He even follows the sheep when they are moved from field to field.

Farmer Kit Papworth said he checked the sheep around twice a day and he had not noticed the stag on the Sunday, but the next day he just appeared.

'He has very much became part of he flock, he is part of the furniture now,' he added. 'He seems to have been accepted by the sheep and seems to think he is one. It looks like he is here to stay.'

He believes Steve was born last spring and may have been kicked out of his herd when a new calf was born and so he is now looking for some company. Mr Papworth added: 'When we move the sheep, Steve moves with them. He is very playful with the lambs as well – when the lambs are eating the grass he will stay with them.

'He is just really lovely and very handsome. His condition is also improving as he was very thin and scraggly when we first saw him.

'He just seems to be enjoying being part of the flock.'

Mr Papworth said he thinks the stag will be sticking around for some time yet, and is already defying expectations. He said: 'We did not think he would be here this long.'

Do you know of an animal taking up an unusual residence? Email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk