An unusually docile and brightly marked antlerless male deer caused a stir this past Saturday, November 29th, when it wandered onto a local business property in West Cornwall Township, Lebanon County.
The young deer, seemingly unafraid of humans, was immediately distinctive: it was spray-painted with the word “PET” in fluorescent orange on both sides of its body.
Responding police officers reported the animal showed no signs of fear. Instead of running, the deer approached the on-scene officer, acting as if it desired to be petted. Its composure was unwavering, even when the officer activated the cruiser’s sirens. After lingering for approximately 45 minutes, the uniquely marked deer calmly left.
A State Game Warden was called to the scene and took a detailed report. He advised that the deer’s bold, domesticated behavior and the “PET” marking strongly suggest it was an illegally kept pet that grew too large and was subsequently released into the wild. The fluorescent paint, according to the Warden, was likely applied by the former “owner” as an attempt to protect the animal during hunting season.
The Warden stressed that keeping a deer as a pet is illegal under Pennsylvania law. Deer are considered game animals and require specific permits for handling, which are not granted for general pet ownership.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is now investigating this incident, which involves the illegal possession and release of wildlife. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, the origin of the marked deer, or knowledge of someone illegally keeping a deer as a pet, they are urged to contact: The Pennsylvania Game Commission at (833) 742-4868.
