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'Visibly exhausted' deer found in Richmond dog park

Police warn the public not to approach or chase wildlife as it can increase their stress levels.
Maria Rantanen
Maria Rantanen

It's been a rare year of deer sightings in Richmond.

The Richmond News has learned of a deer being spotted over the past few months on Sea Island, on Alexandra Road, on the Shell Road Trail,at the Richmond Olympic Oval and now in a fenced dog park.

Last Thursday, a deer was trapped inside a dog park in the 6100 block of River Road, just west of the Oval.

"Concerned residents noticed the deer, visibly exhausted after being chased by dogs, was unable to exit the park on its own," explained Richmond RCMP Cpl. Adriana O'Malley, media relations officer.

RCMP worked with BC SCPA staff to guide the animal out of the enclosure, and, after a few hours of roaming the city, officers said the deer "successfully returned to a wooded area away from the urban setting," O'Malley added. 

This, she said, was a "positive outcome for both the animal and the community."

These incidents highlight the importance of allowing wildlife to find their way back to nature, RCMP said.

Approaching, chasing or cornering wild animals can increase their stress, leading to potentially harmful outcomes, RCMP added.

In most cases, wildlife like deer will return to their natural habitats on their own if left undisturbed, said Staff Sgt. Gurbir Mondair with the Richmond RCMP Community Engagement Team.

RCMP said the key messages when the public encounters wildlife are:

  • Do not approach or chase wildlife. Human interaction, especially when animals are already disoriented, can escalate their stress levels.
  • Keep garbage securely closed, such as inside a shed or garage. This minimizes the attraction of wildlife into urban areas.
  • Recognize when to call for assistance. If an animal appears injured, trapped or in distress, contact local authorities, who will assess the situation and contact the appropriate wildlife experts if needed.

Richmond RCMP encourages the community to respect the natural movements of local wildlife and ensure their safety by avoiding unnecessary interaction. 

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