Posted on 09/12/2007 10:46:36 PM PDT by Inspectorette
Deer have an acute olfactory sense but they are almost stone deaf.
It depends on what sort of rub you use on it and how long you cook it. Seriously, I live in a subdivision, and we have deer, coyotes, possums, raccons, rabbits and other wild critters on a frequent basis, and none of them are nearly as obnoxious as the pet dogs and the "good neighbors" who bring them to drop their feces on my lawn.
Property value...
State won't euthanize Snowball and Bucky The state's top wildlife official said today the pair of deer seized this week from a Molalla family will not be euthanized.
Roy Elicker, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, repeatedly emphasized that the deer -- Snowball and Bucky -- are in good condition and are under the care of a state wildlife veterinarian.
"We are looking at all the options," Elicker said at a press conference this morning. "Euthanasia is not one of those options."
Officials have a number of choices. "There are several different options with either finding a licensed care facility for these particular deer, returning to the wild, or returning to the owner," said Rick Hargrave, a spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Department.
Hargrave said that the Clackamas County district attorney offered to let the family keep the doe, provided they take down their fences, but he said they refused. There are a number of aggressive dogs in the neighborhood, and the family was concerned for her safety.
The health of the animals is a key concern, officials said. The animals were put through a battery of tests this week, and the results will be available next week.
Elicker said the agency is following state law, which forbids people to hold wild animals in captivity. He added that the state has received an "outpouring of support" for the deer and the family who cared for them.
"We have tried to be respectful and caring about people's concerns," he said. He said the public's concern for the animals' welfare is not unexpected.
"Everybody has a spot in their hearts for Oregon's wildlife," he said.
-- Noelle Crombie and Lynne Terry
Interesting that they refer to "the owner".
Yeah. Same here. You have to have your tag on hand, and tag it immediately. You are allowed one deer a year. Most folks would rather go hunting than tag a road kill.
Well that seems like a move in a positive direction...
I think they should “give in” and take down their fence...and then get an invisible fence..:-)
“look how Snowball LOVES staying close to the house :-)
Keep us posted..that is AWESOME!
Carolyn
“An invisible fence only keeps things in - it doesn’t protect against something else getting in.”
OH!
Of COURSE you are SO RIGHT!
Thanks for reminding me of what should have been obvious!
:-)
M0sby
We have received your comments regarding the two black-tailed deer that were being held illegally at a private residence in Molalla. We are working to find a solution that recognizes the families' attachment to the animals, but is in the best interest of the two deer and all of Oregon's wildlife.
Director Roy Elicker has publicly stated that the two deer will not be euthanized. State veterinarians are now caring for the deer. They are assessing their health and determining whether they have any diseases that may be harmful to them or to other wildlife. Those results are expected sometime this week.
The veterinarians are also evaluating the ability of the deer to survive in the wild. In all cases, the preferred solution is to return the deer to their native habitat.
Oregon law recognizes that wildlife should remain wild by prohibiting private possession of wild animals. This protects the public, other wildlife and the animals themselves.
The buck in this case has reached sexual maturity, is aggressive and poses a potential threat to the family and the public. Wild animals that are raised around people lose their natural fear of humans. The majority of the wildlife attacks on humans are by deer and other animals that no longer fear humans.
Private possession of wildlife also puts Oregon's other wildlife at risk. Chronic Wasting Disease and other diseases can be traced to situations where animals are kept in captivity. Fortunately, Oregon has not had any cases of this disease which is fatal to deer and elk.
Deer hair loss is another devastating disease that has had significant impacts on Black-tail deer populations. We are taking every possible precaution to prevent the introduction of diseases which could potentially devastate our wild deer and elk populations. Prohibiting private possession of wildlife is one way to prevent this from happening.
The law does allow for the licensing of facilities that are equipped to properly provide long-term care for captive wild animals. These facilities have ample room for the animals to roam and to graze on natural vegetation. They provide adequate and proper feed. Their staff is properly trained and equipped to respond to any situation that may arise. This ensures that deer, elk and other animals held at these facilities receive humane treatment.
In closing, we are exploring all of the options available under Oregon law. We are committed to finding a solution that provides proper care for these two deer, protects public health and all of Oregon's wildlife.
Thank you for your comments
Carolyn
Yep, they’re still “faffling”. Heard last night on the news that they’re considering letting Snowball go back to the family, but they want to release Bucky into the wild. Some of the furor has died down, as ODFW has hoped.
Carolyn
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