SALEM, Ore.- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Roy Elicker reiterated at a news conference this morning that the black-tailed deer removed from a family home in Molalla will not be euthanized.

“We are exploring all of the options,” said Elicker during the news conference at ODFW Headquarters in Salem. “One of those options is returning the doe to the family. Euthanasia is not one of the options being considered.”

The animals are currently in the care of state wildlife veterinarians. The veterinarians are assessing the animals’ health. Tests have been taken to determine whether they have diseases that may be harmful to them or other wildlife. Results are expected sometime next week.

The deer’s abilities to survive in the wild are also being evaluated by wildlife experts. If the deer can survive in the wild, the state may release them. If not, officials will look at other options to care for the animals, including care in a licensed facility or return to the family. The decision will be made after a full assessment of the deer’s health and of legal options available.

“The law is clear. It is illegal to hold captive wild animals. The law was put in place to protect the health and safety of wildlife and the public,” said Elicker. “Within the limits of the law, we are looking at all options that have the best interest of these two deer and wildlife.

“We do understand the feelings of the family and the public. Caring for wildlife is at the heart of everything we do,” added ODFW Director Roy Elicker. “However, we have a larger responsibility and have to ensure that our decision is in the best interest of wildlife.”

Oregon State Police, working with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, took the deer from a private residence on September 12, because one was illegally taken from the wild and both were being held captive illegally.

STATEMENT BY ODFW DIRECTOR ROY ELICKER:

I want to reiterate that these deer will not be euthanized.  The deer are in good condition, under the care of our wildlife vet.  Tests have been done on the deer to determine if there are any diseases or other health issues.  Those results will be available sometime next week.  In the meantime, the deer are being well taken care of and we looking at all options.  Euthanasia is not one of those options.

We do understand the feelings of the family and the public.  Caring for wildlife is at the heart of everything we do.  However, we have larger responsibility and have to ensure that our decision is in the best interest of all wildlife. 

Part of that responsibility involves public safety.  The buck in this case has reached sexual maturity and is aggressive and poses a potential danger to the family and the public.  We talked to the family about this and thought we had worked out a compromise.  Unfortunately, the agreement didn’t happen and OSP enforced the law and the animals were placed in our care.

The law is clear.  It is illegal to hold captive wild animals.  The law was put in place to protect the health and safety of wildlife and the public.  We are following the law.

Within the limits of the law, we are looking at options that have the best interest of these two deer and all wildlife.