A man in rural Missouri was stunned to discover a deer wandering through his property with a colorful collar and the word “pet” painted on its side. According to a report from WECB, the encounter happened in late September and left both the man and local authorities puzzled and concerned.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, but the deer had already vanished into the woods. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) suspects someone may have been trying to domesticate the animal—an act that is not only illegal but also dangerous for both deer and humans. “Wild animals, especially deer, should not be treated as pets,” said the MDC in an official statement.
Experts like wildlife officer Scott Corley worry about the impact such interference can have on the deer’s wellbeing. Domesticated behavior can expose wild animals to threats they wouldn’t normally face, including disease, malnutrition, and behavioral issues. Deer, for example, can become aggressive during mating season—a risk to anyone who might try to approach them.
One major concern is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological condition that affects deer, elk, and moose. Human contact with potentially infected animals increases the risk of spreading the disease, and it’s yet another reason why wild animals are best left alone in their natural habitat.
The MDC is now working to safely track the deer, remove the collar, and ensure it returns to the wild. While the story may sound like something from a children’s book, it’s a real-world reminder that wild animals are not meant to be part of our homes—they belong in nature.
If you ever come across a wild animal acting strangely or wearing signs of human interaction, don’t engage—report it to your local wildlife authorities. Let’s protect animals by keeping them wild, free, and safe where they belong.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 4 April 2025. Lead Image: Image Credit :iStock.com/twildlife
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