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Two rare deer sightings in Richmond

The city warns residents to keep their distance from these 'cute' animals.
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A deer was spotted on Sea Island in Richmond recently.

Richmond isn't known as a habitat for deer, but there have been two rare deer sightings in the city in the past week.

A blacktail deer was spotted near the UPS building on Sea Island by Richmond resident Sonya Bosecke as she returned from McDonald Beach after walking her dogs late last week.

During her 30 years in Richmond, Bosecke said she's never seen a deer before.

In the meantime, city staff spotted a deer on the dyke near Bark Park on Monday. 

City spokesperson Clay Adams said deer are "certainly not a regular part of Richmond's ecosystem," but they are spotted from time to time.

"It is not clear where they come from, how they got here, or where they go," he said.

But, he added, while they're welcome as "another natural attraction," the city encourages people to keep their distance.

"They may be cute, but as a wild animal, can be unpredictable," Adams said. "We also remind drivers and cyclists to be extra cautious and to watch for deer, especially if near wooded areas and trails."

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