Many wild animals share our planet with us. Many of us have deer, moose, bears, and even the occasional seal visit us in our own yards.
While it’s good to coexist peacefully with these creatures, bear in mind that they aren’t your pets – most of the time, it’s better to leave wildlife alone, both for your own and the animal’s benefit, and keep your distance.However, officials in Jefferson County, Missouri, were concerned lately after a wild deer was discovered with the word “PET” painted on its body. The 2-year-old buck also wore a collar around its neck.
Someone had clearly grown close to the wild animal and wanted to keep him as a pet. “That deer was most likely taken out of the wild as a fawn and kept as a pet,” Missouri Department of Conservation Captain Scott Corley told McClatchy News.The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office shared the photo on Facebook earlier this week, prompting mixed reactions.
Some were outraged that anyone would tag a wild animal in this manner, claiming that it would lead children to believe it was acceptable to touch and pet the deer. Others defended the approach, claiming that the deer’s “owners” were attempting to protect him from hunters.
But authorities warn that, regardless of the intention, keeping a wild deer as a “pet” is a bad idea for all involved.“Obviously they thought they were keeping it safe. Maybe going into hunting season they thought painting ‘pet’ on it, somebody won’t shoot it if it comes by,” Corley said. “That’s just not a good idea by any means.”
According to Corley, the buck had “lost its fear of humans” as a result of the human interaction. Male deer grow more aggressive during mating season, which can be a dangerous mix. If the buck gets violent toward humans, he may be euthanized, according to him.
“He may be aggressive, which can pose issues… “The last thing we want is someone getting gored with an antler,” Corley told McClatchy News.According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deer may carry diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease.
“Wild animals should not be considered pets, and particularly deer should not be moved from their habitat as MDC [Missouri Department of Conservation] works on Chronic Wasting Disease,” they wrote on Facebook. “Orphan wildlife should be reported to your local MDC office or Conservation Agent.”
“We’re concerned with the health of the deer,” Corley said. “And nowadays since we have issues with chronic wasting disease and other disease issues, [interaction] is not safe for humans and it’s not in the best interest of the animal’s welfare.”