Richmond news: Wayward deer chased by dogs, rescued by RCMP

A rogue deer that wandered into Richmond, BC and was hunted by canines at a local dog park has been rescued and safely returned to its natural habitat.

RCMP officers responded to a report of a deer trapped in a fenced dog park on River Road on the morning of Oct. 3, the Richmond detachment said in a news release.

The lone deer was “visibly exhausted” after being chased by a pack of dogs and was unable to leave the park on its own, the RCMP said.

Working with the BC SPCA, police officers carefully led the animal out of the park and back onto the streets of Richmond, where it “wandered through the urban environment for several hours” before returning to its wooded home.

Videos posted to social media the same day show a deer turning around surprised onlookers and trotting down a sidewalk flanked by a crowded parking lot and a busy road.

Just three days later, officers from BC Conservation and the BC SPCA responded to reports of another renegade deer that had left its herd and forested habitat in favor of a local supermarket.

Police said the deer was found unharmed and later returned to the nearby wooded area.

Both incidents should serve as a reminder to locals to respect local wildlife and give stray animals the opportunity to find their own way back into the wild, the RCMP said in its news release.

“Residents are reminded that approaching, chasing or cornering wildlife can increase their stress, leading to potentially harmful consequences,” the report said.

Staff Sgt. Gurbir Mondair of the Richmond RCMP Community Engagement Team said that “in most cases, wildlife such as deer will return to their natural habitat on their own if left alone.”

To avoid disturbing local wildlife, the RCMP recommends storing waste safely, such as in a shed or garage, to minimize the attraction of wildlife to urban areas.

If the public encounters wild animals in urban areas that appear injured, trapped or in distress, local authorities should be contacted.