We live alongside various wild animals in our world. Some of us are even visited by animals like deer, moose, bears, and sometimes seals in our own backyard.
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While it’s pleasant to coexist peacefully with these animals, it’s crucial to remember that they are not meant to be our pets. Typically, it’s best to let wild animals be, for both your safety and theirs, and maintain a distance.
Recently, authorities in Jefferson County, Missouri raised concerns after discovering a wild deer with the word “PET” painted on its body. Additionally, the 2-year-old buck had a collar around its neck.
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It was evident that someone had grown attached to this wild animal and attempted to keep it as a pet. Captain Scott Corley of the Missouri Department of Conservation mentioned to McClatchy News, “Someone likely took that deer out of the wild as a fawn and attempted to keep it as a pet.”
The image was shared earlier this week on Facebook by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, sparking mixed reactions.
MIXED REACTIONS
Some were appalled that someone would label a wild animal in this manner, expressing concerns that children might assume it’s safe to touch and pet the deer because of it. Others defended the act, suggesting that the “owners” of the deer were trying to deter hunters from shooting it.
However, authorities caution that regardless of the intent, keeping a wild deer as a “pet” is a bad idea for all parties involved.
“They clearly thought they were keeping it safe. Maybe they thought as the hunting season started, if they painted ‘pet’ on it, someone wouldn’t shoot it when it walked by,” Corley explained. “It’s just absolutely not a good idea.”
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MALE DEERS CAN BE AGGRESSIVE
Corley highlighted that the deer had lost its fear of humans due to interactions with people. During mating season, male deer can exhibit aggression, potentially leading to hazardous situations. If the buck displays aggression towards humans, it may need to be euthanized.
“It could become aggressive, and that could create problems… The last thing we want is for a deer to gore someone with its antlers,” Corley informed McClatchy News.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also noted that deer can carry diseases, including Chronic Wasting Disease.
“Wild animals should not be considered pets, and especially deer should not be removed from their habitat while MDC [Missouri Department of Conservation] works on Chronic Wasting Disease,” as posted on Facebook. “You are required to report orphaned wild animals to your local MDC office or Conservation Agent.”
“We are concerned about the health of the deer,” Corley emphasized. “And now that we have problems with Chronic Wasting Disease and other diseases, [interaction] is not safe for humans and it’s not in the best interest of the animal’s welfare.”
Deer are magnificent creatures, and while it’s understandable that people may want to nurture them as pets, it’s often best to leave them undisturbed.
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