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Exotic Muntjac deer loose, in danger, in César Chávez Park

November 3, 2011 12:52 pm by Tracey Taylor

A Muntjac deer, which is only about 24" tall, is believed to be loose in César Chávez Park in Berkeley

Update, 11.04.11: There have been no reported sightings of a Muntjac deer according to Berkeley Animal Services. “We have had phone calls, but nobody has said they have seen this deer,” said BACS Officer Stevenson. She added that she had been to César Chávez Park to look for herself and that it is possible that a dog was mistaken for the miniature deer. “It’s a dog park, so there are lots of small four-legged animals. In one way I hope it’s not there. But in another I hope it’s there as I would like to see this deer,” she said.

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A Reeves’ Muntjac deer is believed to be on the loose and in danger in Berkeley’s César Chávez Park.

Animal experts are calling on the community to keep an eye out for the animal, which is tiny and easy prey for larger animals, including dogs, and to call in sightings as the deer needs to be trapped and taken care of.

“Muntjac deer are an Asian species and a popular exotic pet. They need hot weather to survive and are very tame, so easy to hunt and kill,” said Winnie Kelly, a wildlife specialist at San Rafael-based Wildcare. “It’s very important that we get a hold of this animal.”

The Reeves Muntjac is one of the smallest species of deer in the world; they only stand about 24″ tall, even as adults. “It’s about the size of an Italian greyhound,” said Kelly. “A large dog could easily kill this deer.” She added that the deer is “adorably cute”.

Kelly said the organizaion had received three separate calls about sightings in the past 48 hours  – one from a woman who recognized the species because she had seen it at a zoo.

Wildcare believes the deer was let loose in the park by its owner. Keeping Muntjac deer as pets is illegal in California. If an animal services organization is able to find the animal it will likely be offered to a zoo or taken out of state to a warmer climate.

According to Kelly, it is common for people to “dump” their pets at both César Chávez Park and Point Isabel in Richmond. “Owners assume other dog owners will take care of them,” she said.

Kelly said if a member of the community spots the deer, they should not chase it and keep dogs away. If it is possible to get close to the deer, throw a blanket over it and call Berkeley Animal Services (BACS) at 510-981-6600. They should be able to come and take the animal. Alternatively, call WildCare on 415-456-7283. After hours, for emergencies only (5pm to 9am): 415-300-6359.

10 Comments

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  • Anonymous

    I’ve never understood why people can’t be satisfied with a dog or cat.

  • shamama

    Poor thing. It would probably help to refer to the location of the park, not sure that the name of the Park is well-known.

  • Christin

    I also don’t understand how they can abandon their pets.

  • http://berkeleyside.com Tracey Taylor

    Shamama: the name of the park is hyperlinked to its website with all the details about its location. 

  • Anonymous

    Like my alcoholic uncle who played guitar in a rockabilly band in Spokane, Wa in the 1950′s and early 60′ always said, “Muntjac deer is mighty good eatin’….. forest veal, if ya will.”

    Then he’d take a long swig of his 12oz can of Oly beer that he poked a large hole on one side of the top and a small hole on the other; with a sharp thing he kept in his pocket.

  • Anonymous

    Or a hamster.

  • Goatee

    I beleive that I spotted this creature running on Monterey, just downhill from the Circle…approx. 6 pm on Thursday (11/4).  Thought it was a strange looking dog….then again, it may have just been a strange looking dog.  Was headed uphill.  Hope that helps.

  • shamama

    Hyperlinks if you are on a crap network on AT&T. Would have been nice to have a reference to park location mentioned in the artcle a.k.a., “near the Marina”.

  • shamama

    *NOT* on a crap network like AT&T

  • diane

    About four weeks ago, I saw a strange looking “fawn” with an adult deer and another fawn.  I commented to my husband that I thought something was wrong with the other little “fawn” because it had shorter legs and a barrel chested quality to compared to the other fawn, who looked like a normal fawn, the ones I’m use to seeing up here in the hills of Berkeley.  It was around the Quail/ Campus area the Hills.  After seeing the photograph of the Muntjac  Aisan deer it made me wonder whether it was the same one everyone has been spotting in Berkeley.  I don’t know, I just remember seeing the unusual looking deer and now it make me wonder.  I hope it is found soon, I’m worried that it might get killed by a car or another animal.