'Unicorn' deer with rare single horn spotted in Italy

This undated photo provided by the Center of Natural Sciences in Prato, Italy, Wednesday, June 11, 2008, shows a deer with a single horn in the center of its head. (AP / Center of Natural Sciences)

ROME (AP/ctv.ca) -- A deer with a single horn in the centre of its head -- much like the fabled, mythical unicorn -- has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy.

The one-year-old Roe Deer -- nicknamed `Unicorn' -- was born in captivity in a park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence.

He is believed to have been born with a genetic flaw; his twin has two horns.

Calling it the first time he has seen such a case, an official at Prato's Centre of Natural Sciences said today such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history, from ancient and medieval texts to the adventures of Harry Potter.

Experts say single-horned deer are rare but not unheard of - but even more unusual is the central positioning of the horn.