The Canadian Press
PRINCE RUPERT, B.C.–Help is on the way for “Hammy,” the northwestern B.C. buck whose unusual antler adornment has endeared him to area residents and turned him into an internet sensation.
The Conservation Officer Service said part of a purple hammock entangled in the deer’s antlers could endanger him, or another deer, as mating season gets underway and male deer butt heads to establish mating rights.
Conservation officers originally did not plan to intervene, saying the problem would correct itself when Hammy shed his antlers over the winter.
But they believe they can step in now, without causing any harm.
The buck, dubbed Hammy because of the hammock frill, became entangled in a backyard hammock in Prince Rupert in August.
He had to be cut free by RCMP officers, but ran off before they could remove a clump of debris from his antlers.
Since then, Hammy has been seen numerous times around the city and his seemingly jaunty attitude toward the purple headgear led to a dedicated Facebook page.
It even prompted a local entrepreneur to create a line of T-shirts that sold out almost instantly.
Sgt. Tracy Walbauer with the Conservation Officer Service said members are visiting Prince Rupert and have decided to act.
