On an island in Japan, deer and humans live together side by side.

Miyajima is home to more than a thousand Sika deer — and they're really friendly.

According to local folklore, the deer in Miyajima (also known as Itsukushima) were considered sacred messengers from the gods. Until 1637, killing one was punishable by death. They're still protected by Japanese law today, but not quite that harshly.

In most places, deer are difficult to approach, running away when you get close to them. The Miyajima deer are different. You can easily pet them or feed them.

Here's what it looks like when deer roam freely among human beings.