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This adorable deer took a walk on the wild side of East Vancouver and Gastown (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

From Commercial Drive to an alleyway in Gastown, one young deer made a decidedly unusual urban trek across Vancouver on Saturday, June 1.
Doe motion: Social media lit up when a young deer trekked across town on Saturday. Photograph by opt
Doe motion: Social media lit up when a young deer trekked across town on Saturday. Photo optimusreign/Twitter

From Commercial Drive to an alleyway in Gastown, one young deer made a decidedly unusual urban trek across Vancouver on Saturday, June 1.

While it is undetermined where the deer came from, one thing is clear: the swift traveller made an impression on almost everyone who saw it. Not only did the golden-brown creature wind up in alleyways and parks, but it was also seen erratically prancing in and out of traffic.

After Vancouver Police were alerted about the petite animal’s whereabouts, they contacted B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service. Before that happened, however, the deer made a serious splash on social media.

Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to conservation officer Lonnie Schoenthal about what happened.

“VPD contacted our agency and we were able to locate the deer near Abbott and Water streets,” he said.

“Following this, we were able to successfully tranquilize and relocate the male. He was about a year old and healthy, so there weren’t any concerns in the relocation.”

Schoenthal notes that although he can’t disclose the exact place where the deer was relocated, it was somewhere in North Vancouver.

“We can’t give the exact location as people may go looking for it — it is important that this animal is left alone to recover from the experience.”

Schoenthal adds that while they aren’t sure where the animal came from, it is possible it travelled from Burnaby Mountain. They were alerted of sightings on Commercial Drive, Strathcona, Chinatown and Gastown.

When asked why the animal would venture out onto such a terrifying path, Schoenthal said the deer likely lost its bearings and simply kept going.

“It is most likely that the young deer was just scared and confused. If people encounter this type of situation, the best thing that they can do is contact the professionals — trying to intervene could cause more harm than good.”

The Conservation Officer Service has worked to protect the environment, the fish and the wildlife in British Columbia, as well as the safety of citizens, for 110 years.

  • To report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety call 1-877-952-7277
  • To report an environmental violation or poaching call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or use this online form to file a report.

Have a look at more images of the Vancouver deer below:

 

 

 

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