By Rachel Seo, KUAM News Intern

A sunny day at Gun Beach in Tumon was quickly interrupted for Karlla Mann on Guam during her birthday getaway.

The startling moment met quickly with laughter, then terror and confusion.

Karlla captured her experience in Guam's waters earlier this month when she apparently met one of Santa's reindeer?

“That’s one way to look at it. We are looking for Rudolph to help him find his way back,” said Tibatts. 

Department of Agriculture Biologist Brent Tibbatts said it’s not the first time a local deer is spotted in Tumon.  

“But they I would guess are coming from somewhere like Tanguisson or maybe Fai Fai beach. And they get into the water when probably something is disturbing them. I think maybe dogs chase them into the water or clearing has disturbed their habitat and they fright from that but they don’t want to be in the water that much. Something probably startles them to get out into the water,” added Tibatts. 

Karlla has since returned home to Los Angeles.

She told KUAM, “I was initially terrified because I didn't know if he ran into the water to chase me or what…it was just all so confusing! I was already recording so I was looking all around me, then boom! I honestly think he fell from Santa's sleigh.”

Karlla is clearly still in high spirits after the encounter.  

Tibbatts added she most likely was not in any immediate danger.

“Deer are generally shy around people and try to get away from them,” he said. 

So while it may not have been one of Santa's reindeer here this time of year, the Department of Agriculture still encourages the public to call them if you spot any local deer around populated areas like Tumon and most especially if you see them in the water just like Karlla did.