Deer in late-night dash in suburbs
THE near-freezing conditions in Ipswich on Monday morning were enough to keep most warm-blooded creatures indoors.
But while most of the city was cuddled up under a nice warm doona, a rather large furry visitor was running free through the streets just north of our CBD.
Cameras linked to the Safe City Network captured rare images of a large deer running through various parts of the city late on Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Sporting a proud set of antlers, the animal was first sighted running around the streets near Moore's Pocket about 10.30pm on Sunday, with several disbelieving members of the public contacting police to report the startled beast galloping in the general direction of the CBD.
Ipswich police communications centre co-ordinator Acting Sergeant Mick Abbott said initial information had the deer running along Moores Pocket Rd, taking a left hand turn on Tantivy St.
"A short time later we had another call from a resident on Tivoli Hill Rd, informing us that the deer had found its way to the back of a property there," Sgt Abbott said.
The deer's southward migration continued through the evening, with residents spotting it as it travelled along Pine St toward the city's centre.
There were further reports from members of the public that the deer had moved across to Browns Park.
Night vision images taken by the Safe City network confirmed the sighting in Browns Park.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said the rare event showed just how effective the cameras were.
"Deer me, everyone's coming to Ipswich," Cr Pisasale quipped.
"This night vision that Safe City has is just absolutely magnificent.
"The fact that we have animals so close to town also shows that our wildlife corridors are effective - so that you can have development without destroying the environment."
Police contacted the Ipswich City Council Animal Control Department for assistance late Sunday.
By 10.45pm, the deer had wandered down to Norths Rugby League Club.
Police efforts to track the deer down proved futile, with the deer sighted at Lowry St and Lamington Pde before disappearing into the frosty night.
The search was called off about 2.30am.
