We’ve received multiple reports about this, and more are likely to see it since today’s sunshine is likely to bring out more beach walkers: A dead white-tailed deer is on the beach at Constellation Park, and it’s been reported to authorities. Deer sightings, dead or alive, are not common around here. Last deer report we had was in 2019, on Pigeon Point; in 2016, we chronicled weeks of sightings of a deer that WSB readers dubbed “Westley.”
Last one was actually this summer just south of Fauntleroy ferry dock, on the beach also. I responded to it. It was a baby.Keep in mind the hemorrhagic disease that has been wiping them out in other areas
All I have for reference are the ones that we hear about, and we didn’t hear about that one.
Ooops. I swore I told you but can’t find the correspondence. Now I wonder why I didnt lol
Story states a “whitetail” deer which is unlikely, as we don’t have them here on the west side. Originally an eastern species, they have migrated west but not over the cascades. Here we have blacktail deer, a subspecies of mule deer. So unless a discarded carcass (and illegal wasting) by a hunter, I think mis-identified.
Both people we heard from this morning identified it as a white-tailed deer, independent and unsolicited, or else I wouldn’t have mentioned it. I did not want to include a photo with the story but if anyone wants to view at their own risk (not gory) for ID purposes, here’s one that shows its tail:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image0-2021-12-19T202736.852-e1639974574298.jpeg
With that much white showing it’s understandable people would have identified it as such. But blacktail deer also have white on the underside of their tail just like true “whitetails.” The difference is that when fleeing predators, whitetails lift their tail to show the white “flag” underneath, which is actually quite startling if they surprise you. Mule deer and blacktail don’t use this “flight” response. Also, the shape and dark outline on the ears suggest blacktail to me.
I remember that one, Kersti. It was such a sad situation. Not sure how the deer got there. I read that deer can swim quite well.
That’s not out of the question, although not sure if the currents would match up with that. I have seen deer swimming between islands in the San Juan Islands before, they can swim quite well.
This is most likely out migration from Vashon. And, not a white tailed deer 🦌
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