Pennsylvania Game Warden Issues Warning After Deer Found with 'Pet' Painted on Its Body and Showing 'No Fear' of Humans

On Saturday, November 29, the Cornwall Borough Police Department in Pennsylvania received an unusual report about a deer wandering onto a business property without fear of people. Witnesses described a "friendly, antlerless male deer" in West Cornwall Township that seemed unusually calm and approachable.

The police department noted that the deer had been spray-painted on both sides with bright orange paint, displaying the word "PET". The animal appeared unbothered by the presence of people, even seeming to invite interaction with the officer on site, according to a statement shared on the department's Facebook page. Several photos accompanying the post showed the small deer close to the photographer and police vehicles, with the fluorescent lettering clearly visible.

The deer remained on the property for approximately 45 minutes before leaving voluntarily, showing no reaction when a police cruiser nearby activated its sirens. Officers did not attempt to chase the animal, leaving its ultimate fate unknown.

The state game warden, Salsgiver, responded to the scene and suggested that the deer might have been a former pet that had grown too large and was released into the wild. The bright paint could have been applied by its owner to make the animal more visible to hunters. The warden also reminded residents that keeping a pet deer is illegal in Pennsylvania.

The Cornwall Borough Police Department asked anyone with information about the deer to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at (833) 742-4868.

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere. In October 2023, several sightings of a deer marked with "PET" were reported in De Soto, Missouri. That deer, reportedly wearing a collar, also drew attention from locals, but wildlife officials were unable to capture it. Authorities emphasized that humans should avoid attempting to tame or interact with wild deer, citing risks from diseases such as chronic wasting disease and general animal welfare concerns.

Author: Ava Mitchell