Deer that led police on chase escapes

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An Animal Control officer handles a tranquilized deer after it led police on a chase through downtown South Bend on June 26, 2008. The deer has since escaped from an animal rehabilitation center. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Jul 3, 2008 at 7:41 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2008 at 10:32 PM EST

SOUTH BEND (AP) — A deer that led police on a chase through downtown South Bend before it was captured last week has escaped from an animal rehabilitation center.

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"He's out in the wild somewhere," said South Bend Animal Control Manager Gary Libbey. "We had him with a person who rehabilitates deer, but he somehow got out. We're starting to call him Harry Houdini."

The deer, which has a distinctive black rump and black spots, apparently is a long way from its native environment. Libbey said the deer was not a native whitetail, but an exotic species from Europe or Asia. He said it might require special permits to own or transport. No one has claimed the deer.

Police used squad cars in an attempt to block the animal as it ran through downtown streets June 26. Animal control officers eventually used a tranquilizer dart to stop the deer, which was uninjured.

Libbey said the animal likely would mingle with other wild deer. "As long as he stays in the country, he's not our problem," Libbey said.

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