Can a deer be charged for breaking and entering?
It’s hilarious to think that deer hunters often spend endless hours sitting in tree stands waiting for deer to walk by. It leads one to believe that the species is gifted at evading human contact. But then you have videos like these, where deer throw themselves into the face of danger, and that theory can be thrown out the window.
Just 30 minutes south of Nashville sit the lovely town of Franklin, which is typically known for being a quiet, friendly (and wealthy) place to raise a family. But in the past couple of weeks, it’s been known for something else… big bucks running right through front doors.
Yes, that’s right. I said “doors,” as in the plural form of door. Believe it or not, on November 6th, two Franklin homes were broken into by deer. One incident was caught on a security camera, while the other was witnessed and proven to be true by the damage report and aftermath photos.
From the statement that the Franklin Police Department put out, it sounds like they believe both instances were at the hands (or the hooves) of the same buck:
“Franklin police officers responded to an unusual call on Thursday, November 6, after a buck charged through two front doors in a Franklin neighborhood, shattering glass and even breaking through locked entry doors at both homes. In both cases, the deer did not make it far inside either residence. At least one of the homes was occupied at the time, but no one was injured.
After the second impact, the startled buck ended up in a nearby backyard. With help from the responding officer and several bystanders, the animal leapt over a fence and ran off. While the incidents are unusual, police say they serve as a timely reminder that deer are on the move this time of year. During mating season, bucks can become more active, aggressive, and easily spooked.”
Franklin residents should know that there’s a buck out there that’s ready to rumble.
Is a wild animal on the loose in the Nashville-area that has it out for front doors? No, probably not. The likely explanation is that it’s mating season for deer, and as it’s getting darker earlier this time of the year, the deer are simply more active… thus more likely to ram in your front door, I suppose?
And in this case, the buck that went bashing through the Franklin area was probably just seeing its own reflection in the glass of the front doors. The Franklin Police Department added that there are some ways that people in the area can lessen the chances of a buck attacking their home:
“The Franklin Police Department encourages residents to take a few simple steps to help avoid similar surprises:
-Reduce reflections: Deer can mistake glass for open space or their own reflection. Keep blinds or curtains closed, or add decals to break up reflections.
-Don’t attract deer to your home: Avoid feeding deer and remove bird seed, fallen fruit, or pet food that may draw them close.
-If a deer gets inside: Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid cornering the animal. Open an exit route.
-Repair damage safely: Shattered glass and debris can pose hazard. Handle cleanup with care and contact your insurance provider if needed.
-Stay alert this season: As daylight decreases, deer are on the move more often at dawn and dusk.”
May I add something to the list that could help alleviate the issue? Put up a tree stand in your front yard and they won’t ever come close. I know that’s how it usually works for me, anyways. The deer make sure to keep plenty of distance from whatever blind or stand I set up.
