To the conservation officers who were forced to destroy the young deer in Coldstream, thank you.
I am sorry that you were forced to make such an emotionally difficult decision, but I am glad that you were available to make certain that this deer was put down as safely and professionally as possible.
I hesitate to think how this situation could have ended once the deer entered into rutting season and became aggressive towards humans.
To the people who think it is cute to pet or feed wild animals when they are young, stop it.
Once an animal becomes habituated to humans, the animal must be destroyed.
There is almost never another option as relocating animals nearly always ends in a long, slow death for the animal because it is now encroaching on the territory of other animals.
Never feed wild animals.
Never approach them, even if it appears to be an abandoned baby. Give all wild animals as much space as possible by walking wide around them or by turning around and returning the way you came when hiking or walking in our local parks.
Every contact between humans and animals causes them to lose their natural instinct to avoid humans.
It is our duty to protect these animals by allowing them to live with as little human contact as possible.
If you see what appears to be an abandoned baby, be aware that its mother is probably hiding and waiting until you leave to return to her baby.
Contact our local conservation officers and let them determine if any intervention is needed.
Darin Johaneson
Vernon
