Story Archive

Deer Mr. Doug

A deer living in a wooded area in Siloam Springs, Ark., lost his fear of humans, and locals have been taking selfies with him, feeding him, and petting him regularly. “Doug Deer” even has a Facebook page with over 2,000 “friends.” Arkansas Game and Fish officials were concerned as mating season approached, as deer become aggressive. Doug has been captured to be relocated. “We’re not going to disclose where they release him on public land,” said commission spokesman Randy Zellers, “because someone might go back and want to bring him back or an unethical hunter might go there and have an easy target.” Locals are disappointed. “I think he was fine in his area,” Siloam Springs resident Sarah Losh said. “He had a wooded area with a creek. He doesn’t normally get out where cars are, and he was not a danger to people at all.” Zellers pointed out that Doug is still a wild animal. “The deer is better off in the wild not being fed Cheetos and grapes,” he said. Doug didn’t reply to a Facebook message requesting comment. (MS/Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette) ...Although he did update his relationship status to “it’s complicated.”