The Deer of Nara

I've been sitting on the most amazing thing about Nara. If you've been to Japan and subsequently Nara, or if you're Japanese, you know right away what I'm talking about.
 One has only to stroll into Nara Park for an amazing encounter with the deer of Nara.

 Protected by law, the deer of Nara Park number around 1200 and are beloved by tourists and the local populace alike. Their presence can be attributed to the fact that they figure very prominently in the Shinto religion that was once the head religion in Japan. It used to be punishable by death to kill one of the deer, but that hasn't happened in many centuries.
These deer are tame. And by that, I mean they don't give a shit about anything, really. Get close, pet them, chase them around, see if that phases them in one bit. It generally doesn't.
As a matter of fact, you see them approaching people more often, eager to get their hands on anything they can eat. The deer are notorious for lifting skirts and eating paper - yes, that includes your guidebooks and maps. You better watch out!

Alright, ready? Here's the kicker:

Damn right, the deer will even bow to you if you tip your head to them first. It's a fact most foreigners I've met were totally clueless about, but with you as my witness, it works. They've learned a handful of nifty tricks to get their hands (hooves?) on the deer crackers that are sold around the park for 150¥ for a set of 10.
I'll leave you guys with a quick video I shot of the park.