B.C. deer illegally shot with crossbow

Conservation officers on Vancouver Island are on the trail of someone maliciously shooting deer with a crossbow.

At least three deer in the Hammond Bay neighbourhood of Nanaimo have been hit with arrows that injure the deer but are not likely to kill them.

"They're target arrows not meant to kill," said conservation officer Steve Ackles. "These deer are suffering. So far [we've seen] two deer with arrows through the neck, one deer with an arrow through its head."

Officers were able to use darts to tranquillize a wounded buck and remove the arrow from its head, likely saving the animal.

Area resident Lori Geiger has seen two does with arrows in their necks, but officers have yet to find the animals.

"It's heart-wrenching to watch them not being able to eat," said Geiger.

Authorities are appealing to people in the area to report anyone seen carrying a crossbow.

Posters have been put up in the neighbourhood alerting residents to the danger to both humans and animals.

"This is illegal, unethical and a huge threat to public safety," said Ackles.