Shy they most definitely are!Gentle? I am not so sure either,although no one has been molested by one ,yet.To be fair, we have few people about to disturb them and they have the whole of the highlands to wander in,if they choose.We did wound one once and things got a bit exciting for a wee while, before things got sorted out. That is why we don't shoot them with night sights.The places they go to to feed at night look like a squadron of tanks have been let loose for a few hours!The damage to the ground is very impressive!