As a town built around a large wilded river valley, Okotoks has its share of deer milling about.
Oftentimes residents will find these lawn sausages milling about in the front yard or along pathways, and yes, there have been plenty of conflicts with wildlife. What to do — or not do — about them has often been the subject of great debate, and the focus of the Town of Okotoks' Urban Deer Task Force.
There are also a few oddballs out there, named mostly by Wheel photographer Brent Calver.
Twinkles:
This fellow was spotted running around Woodhaven with Christmas lights in his antlers.
Unibrow:
Found along a trail along the Woodhaven escarpment was another young buck, sporting an unfortunate facial colouring reminiscient of a unibrow.
Dunkaroo:
Up on the north end of town, a buck has been hanging out around Downey Road with a bundle of nylon twine or netting in one antler. He was given the name by Jessica Hallam, a commenter on the 'Okotoks Community Discussion' Facebook group. Not appearing to be in distress, Dunkaroo was content to meander down the street, even using the marked crosswalk before stopping to hang out on a lawn and drink from someone's plastic planter. The netting did not seem to be threatening the animal, and deer typically shed their antlers over the winter.
No matter how quirky, cute or docile they may seem, it is always important to remember the deer are wild animals. Anyone who finds a fawn seemingly alone is instructed to leave it alone, as the mother may be gathering food, and they often leave their babies to do so.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife recommends members of the public do not approach or attempt to help the animals in distress but rather contact the proper authorities. More information can be found at alberta.ca/orphaned-or-injured-wildlife.
This page may be updated as other quirky characters turn up.
