Famous downtown Vancouver deer now living in Stanley Park
Stanley Park Ecology Society warns people not to feed the deer or get too close to it
Weeks after a deer was spotted roaming around downtown Vancouver, even spawning its own Twitter account, the animal appears to have made Stanley Park home — at least for now.
Several people on social media have posted photos and videos of the deer at various locations in Stanley Park, prompting animal advocates to warn the public not to feed the deer.
My dad caught <a href="https://twitter.com/DowntownDeer">@downtowndeer</a> at the beach in Stanley Park. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/downtowndeer?src=hash">#downtowndeer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vancouver?src=hash">#vancouver</a> <a href="http://t.co/O2N6i9pFBg">pic.twitter.com/O2N6i9pFBg</a>
—@kimmuiseDan Straker, urban wildlife programs coordinator for the Stanley Park Ecology Society, said the deer appears to be comfortable near people.
"It's potentially going to even approach people for food especially if it continues to get food, so it's very important people know not to feed it," said Straker.
"I've been speaking with the conservation office at the Ministry of Environment and their intention is to [eventually] relocate it to a more suitable habitat."
Straker said the male deer which is showing the first signs of its antlers growing, was born in either May or June and likely came from Vancouver's north shore.
"It swam the Burrard Inlet, which happens every once in a while," he said.
"There isn't a population of deer living in Stanley Park."
Straker said taking a photo of the deer from a distance is safe but warns against getting too close.
"They have a powerful kick and with any wild animal, especially of this size, you have to be cautious around them and give them a lot of space. So for the safety of the deer and the people, it's best to just keep your distance."
Anyone who encounters the deer in Stanley Park is asked to call the Ministry of Environment at 1-877-952-7277.