Have you seen these Deer?
Published on 08 August 2025
Chital and Rusa Deer - Wild populations of these deer are causing significant damage to our natural environments, crops, and pastures. They compete with livestock and native animals for resources, cause erosion, spread invasive seeds, and pose traffic hazards by straying onto roads.
As deer are seen as a prized recreational trophy and game meat, landholders may be tempted to harbour them, and illegal hunting and trespass incidents can become an issue.
Remember: Both Chital and Rusa deer are restricted animals (Category 3, 4, and 6). They cannot be moved, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment.
Help stop the spread! Report sightings by phone, email, or using the Snap, Send, Solve mobile app.
If you have a property biosecurity plan with Council or are part of the Feral Deer Project, assistance is available.