Sightings of deer wearing high-vis jacket raise questions, quips and concerns in B.C. village

Andrea Arnold, a dedicated reporter for the Rocky Mountain Goat newspaper, is well-versed in the happenings of McBride, a small community nestled in British Columbia’s Robson Valley. With a population of approximately 600 residents, this picturesque mountain town is where Arnold keeps track of everything from wildfires to local sports teams, ensuring that the pulse of the village is always on her radar.

However, even Arnold was taken aback by what she witnessed while driving through McBride one Sunday afternoon. As she followed a vehicle that had slowed down on the highway, Arnold noticed something peculiar – the creature in front of her was not a typical deer but one adorned in a high-visibility jacket. Startled by this unexpected sight, she managed to capture two photos of the deer before it disappeared into the residential area of McBride.

The bizarre incident did not go unnoticed by others in the town, including Joe Rich, the owner of a tow shop along the highway. Rich corroborated Arnold’s account, confirming that the deer was indeed wearing the jacket, with its legs fitting snugly through the sleeves. Speculation and jokes began circulating online after Arnold shared the photos on Facebook, with comments ranging from humorous observations to concerns about the deer’s well-being.

While some theorize that the jacket was a practical joke or an attempt to protect the deer from traffic accidents, others, like Rich, worry about the animal’s long-term health. He emphasized the importance of involving the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to ensure the deer receives the necessary care it needs to thrive in its natural habitat.

Arnold, curious about the circumstances surrounding the jacket-clad deer, is eager to uncover the mystery behind this peculiar sighting. While feeding deer is a common practice in McBride, the act of dressing a wild animal in a jacket raises questions about how someone managed to outfit the deer without causing harm. Despite the humor and intrigue surrounding this unusual event, Arnold’s main concern is understanding the how behind this unconventional encounter.

As the story of the high-vis jacket-wearing deer continues to unfold in McBride, residents and onlookers alike are left puzzled by this unexpected twist in the town’s daily routine. Whether a harmless prank or a misguided attempt at animal welfare, one thing is certain – this peculiar incident has captured the attention and imagination of all who call McBride home.