# Naked and Afraid and Violating Lockdown **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 28, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207 "2021-06-28T19:50:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/1 "2021-06-28T19:50:04Z")
> [@](#): > > (CNN) — Two men in [Australia](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/destinations/australia) have been fined $760 each for violating [Sydney](https://edition.cnn.com/travel/destinations/sydney)’s latest round of lockdowns after police found them naked and lost in the bush as they apparently fled from a wild animal. > > Officers in a police helicopter spotted the pair sunbathing naked on a beach in Royal National Park south of Sydney, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told a news briefing on Monday. > > “Unbelievably, we saw two men sunbaking naked on a beach on the South Coast. They were startled by a deer, ran into the national forest, national park, and got lost,” Fuller said. “Not only did they require assistance from SES (State Emergency Service) and police to rescue them, they also both received a ticket.” > … > > Asked for additional details on the two men, Fuller said: "As the health minister said yesterday, it’s difficult to legislate against idiots. But clearly putting people at risk by leaving home without a proper reason, and I think then not only on top of that, but then getting lost in the national park and diverting important resources away from the health operation, I think they should be embarrassed. [https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/naked-sunbather-fines-sydney-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/naked-sunbather-fines-sydney-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html) They were startled by a _deer_? I could see if they were surprised by, say, a Moose, but a deer? Deer apparently aren’t native to Australia, but have been introduced from elsewhere > **[A guide to Deer Breeds in Australia - Full Force Hunting Blog](https://www.fullforcehunting.com.au/blog/full-force-australian-hunting-blog/a-guide-to-deer-breeds-in-australia/)** > > A comprehensive guide to Deer breeds to hunt in Australia [https://www.austdeer.com.au/2020/03/31/1379946/introduction-to-deer-1](https://www.austdeer.com.au/2020/03/31/1379946/introduction-to-deer-1) > **[The protected pest: deer in Australia](https://theconversation.com/the-protected-pest-deer-in-australia-11452)** > > Deer are arguably the most charismatic of Australia’s invasive species. Long considered a welcome addition to the Australian environment, primarily as a highly valued hunting resource, deer populations… " [A recent study into all deaths caused by animals](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-38592390) in Australia between 2000 and 2013 found none had involved deer." …although one man was killed by a “pet deer” and a woman gored > **[Australia deer attack kills man and injures woman](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47957472)** > > The stag gored the man and seriously injured a woman on a property in Victoria, police say. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/2 "2021-06-28T20:09:12Z")
That’s quite a stiff fine, about 570 USD. > [@CalMeacham](#): > > They were startled by a _deer_ ? I"ve been startled by a deer. It was walking toward my house while I was leaving for work. Being a large wild animal, they’re pretty scary up close and especially when unexpected. My heart rate certainly jumped. To this day, I have no idea where it came from. My Chicago neighborhood is mostly single family homes and to say deer are uncommon is an understatement. It had to have walked for miles. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/3 "2021-06-28T21:52:59Z")
Startled by a deer while on the beach, and the naked frightened men ran into the forest. Uh huh. 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/4 "2021-06-28T22:18:00Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > They were startled by a _deer_? > > I could see if they were surprised by, say, a Moose, but a deer? > > Deer apparently aren’t native to Australia, but have been introduced from elsewhere And there’s your answer. We can only assume that Deer, exposed to the environment of Australia, have mutated to develop explosive poison projectile antlers, or a 6 foot-long garroting tongue or something like that to fit in with the rest of the fauna. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/5 "2021-06-28T22:41:30Z")
What exact act was it that got them cited? Being outside at all during lockdown? Being on that particular beach? Being naked on that particular beach? (Was it a designated “clothing optional” beach? Or are all beaches in Aus clothing optional?) Being in the forest? Being naked in the forest? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/6 "2021-06-28T22:46:51Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Startled by a deer while on the beach, and the naked frightened men ran into the forest. Uh huh. 🙄 If you’ve heard anything about the wildlife in the oceans around Australia you’ll know why they didn’t head for the water: box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, cone snails, sharks… The woods are safer, even with the highly combustible eucalyptus and [gympie-gympie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrocnide_moroides) trees. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/7 "2021-06-28T22:59:07Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > If you’ve heard anything about the wildlife in the oceans around Australia you’ll know why they didn’t head for the water: box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, cone snails, sharks… OK, but a deer? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/8 "2021-06-28T23:05:42Z")
Maybe it was an ANGRY deer? ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/9 "2021-06-28T23:13:22Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > … you’ll know why they didn’t head for the water … The woods are safer … Right, but do those drop bears not live in the trees? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/10 "2021-06-28T23:19:20Z")
‘I don’t like spiders and snakes And that ain’t what it takes to love me You fool, you fool’ ~ Jim Stafford ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/11 "2021-06-28T23:21:38Z")
If you listen to rumors there is nowhere safe in Australia, everything is trying to kill you. Dropbears included. ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/12 "2021-06-28T23:23:42Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > They were startled by a _deer_ ? If I saw this in the wild, I’d be a bit afraid as well. [![](https://images.theconversation.com/files/19068/original/f38xwm94-1357704791.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=926&fit=clip) ](https://images.theconversation.com/files/19068/original/f38xwm94-1357704791.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=926&fit=clip) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/13 "2021-06-28T23:23:59Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Startled by a deer while on the beach, and the naked frightened men ran into the forest. Uh huh. 🙄 I suspect some chemical augmentation was involved. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/14 "2021-06-29T04:20:18Z")
Outdoor space was an issue during the US lock down. It was usually OK to go for a walk, bicycle ride or visit a local park if social distancing is practiced. Apparently they expect you to stay in your house full time in Australia. ---
**Author:** ![UDS1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e47774/32.png) [@UDS1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UDS1)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/15 "2021-06-29T05:38:14Z")
Nah, you can leave your house for exercise for up to an hour a day, within 5 km of home. The Royal National Park is _very_ big, and nobody lives in it. These lads were not within 5km of home. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/16 "2021-06-29T07:20:46Z")
So here’s what we have moderately objectively - they were spotted by a police helicopter, breaking lockdown, naked on a beach. They were then found lost in the bush some time after. The stories aren’t quite clear but as I understand it, only the men in question say they saw a deer. Let assume the men know they were spotted. Police helicopters are not subtle. Let’s assume they would have been concerned about being caught breaking lockdown. Let’s assume that if they scarpered into the forest suddenly - too quickly to put their clothes on - and then had to be rescued, saying “we scarpered suddenly in the forest because we had been caught breaking lockdown” might not have been a great option. In the alternative, let’s consider that if they - two naked men - were doing _something else_ in the forest they may not want to admit that. Do you think they were startled by a deer? Me neither. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/17 "2021-06-29T08:51:46Z")
… “ran away and had to be rescued” sounds an awful lot like "ran away and when they caught us, we said we’d been lost – certainly not committing the crime of ‘resisting arrest’ ". complete tangent: I shared a guy who had a record of ‘resisting arrest’ by playing chase around a bush in the middle of a deserted road while slightly drunk. After that, every cop who interacted with him assumed that he was some kind of crazed violent offender ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/18 "2021-06-29T09:23:36Z")
> [@UDS1](#): > > Nah, you can leave your house for exercise for up to an hour a day, within 5 km of home. > > The Royal National Park is _very_ big, and nobody lives in it. These lads were not within 5km of home. Nor were they exercising. It does seem odd though. I can go to the shopping center near by that will be full of masked shoppers. I can go to the park around the corner and do calisthenics. But if I go there and sit reading a book, as I often do, I will be committing an offence even though the park, as usual, will be deserted. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/19 "2021-06-29T14:19:05Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > My Chicago neighborhood is mostly single family homes and to say deer are uncommon is an understatement. It had to have walked for miles. My suburban neighborhood is also mostly single family homes, and we get deer all the time. They do come from miles away, and forget how to get back to their dwindling natural habitat. None of them are scary. The worst thing they do is eat our flowers. > [@Princhester](#): > > In the alternative, let’s consider that if they - two naked men - were doing _something else_ in the forest they may not want to admit that. This was my immediate thought. I’ve been naked in the woods with another naked man, and no deer was involved. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207/20 "2021-06-29T15:44:22Z")
Last year I went out in the back yard and came face-to-face with a 6-point buck at the back of the driveway. I asked, “What are you doing here?” He was at a loss for words, ran left and right a few times and finally hurdled the fence into the neighbor’s yard. They do not come around here much, but every so often we see one. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naked-and-afraid-and-violating-lockdown/945207.md?page=2)