CHARLOTTE — A deer that was found seriously hurt in a south Charlotte neighborhood last week is expected to make a full recovery, according to NC Wildlife officials.
Residents reported last week that someone was shooting arrows at deer near their homes.
Channel 9′s Erika Jackson spoke with several neighbors in Huntingtowne Farms who said they’ve found arrows scattered in unlikely places in their community.
Some even reported seeing one deer with an arrow through its neck.
Officials thought that deer would have to be euthanized, but NC Wildlife said an officer tranquilized the deer and removed the arrow.
The deer is expected to make a full recovery within a few weeks.
Hunting season has not yet started and hunting is not allowed within Charlotte city limits, according to state officials.
However, it seems that someone has been breaking this law.
Deer are frequently seen in the Huntingtowne Farms and Starmount neighborhoods, and residents are concerned that another animal or person could get hurt if this trend continues.
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Ross Gustafson told Channel 9 that deer flock to his yard to indulge in his fallen pears.
“I try to pick off the bad ones so the deer can come and finish those later,” Gustafson said.
Gustafson said over the weekend he saw a doe that made him do a double take.
“She did shake her head once and that did look a little disturbing, see the arrow wiggle around,” Gustafson said.
The arrow-stricken doe also caught the attention of other residents in the Starmount neighborhood.
“When she looked up, I noticed the arrow was full and through her head. It was very disturbing to see,” resident Kelli Flint said.
Officers are still looking for the person responsible.
WARNING: This story contains graphic photos that maybe disturbing to some viewers.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission told Channel 9 that an officer caught the deer Wednesday morning.
She was euthanized to prevent further suffering.
“I figured this deer would eventually, even though it looked fine, it would eventually succumb to those injuries,” Gustafson said.
Wildlife officials said this was the third deer that officers had found stricken by an arrow near Huntingtowne Farms Park within the past year.
People who live nearby said they have spotted stray arrows around the neighborhood.
“The park is heavily traveled by families and small children. If there is an active bow hunter in the area, that’s very concerning as a resident,” Flint said.
Residents said they want signs put up to warn people of wildlife and families nearby.
Wildlife officers said they are investigating. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 1-800-662-7137.
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