Who wore it better? After Hammy, new accessorized deer spotted in Prince Rupert - Action News
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British Columbia

Who wore it better? After Hammy, new accessorized deer spotted in Prince Rupert

After a Prince Rupert, B.C. deer achieved celebrity status for a shock of purple fabric stuck in its antlers, a new stag is trying out green for 2018.

Buck appears to have green netting stuck on antler, reminiscent of Hammy's purple hammock

Elaine Hupman spotted this deer with what appears to be green fishing net stuck to its antlers from her bathroom window in Prince Rupert, B.C., on May 28. (Elaine Hupman)

The year after a Prince Rupert, B.C., deer made international headlines for being spotted with a shock of purple hammock on its head, anotherbuck seems to be following suit with a new colour for 2018: a piece of green netting.

In 2017, a deer dubbed "Hammy" inspired t-shirts, Christmas decorations and a strong online following as fans snapped photos of it walking around the streets of Prince Rupert, on B.C.'s North Coast. The deer's celebrity status made headlines in outlets ranging from Reuters to BBC before itwas eventually caught and the hammock removed.

Now, wildlife fans are keeping their eyes open for a new deer with a new accessory first reported by Prince Rupert resident ElaineHupman,

A Facebook group has been created for Prince Rupert residents to share their sightings of Hammy and the distinctive purple hammock. (David MacKenzie)

Hupman saw the buck with what appears to be a piece of green netting in its antler from her bathroom window on May 28.

"I'm like, 'Oh no, this is Hammy all over again,'" she said.

Hupman said although the netting, which she thinks might come from a local fisherman, doesn't appear to be obstructing the deer's vision, she did see it step on it a couple of times, prompting her to call conservation officers.

Officials hope net will fall off naturally

Sgt. Tracy Walbauerof the B.C. Conservation Officer Service in Terrace,said given that the deer's antlers appear to still be developing, there's a good chance the netting will fall off by itself.

"We don't want to intervene unless we have to because, dealing with wildlife, it's never predictable how it will turn out," he said.

Walbauerencouraged members of the public who spot the deer or any other wildlife they have concerns about to call the service's hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

In the meantime, listeners to CBCDaybreak Northin northern British Columbia are coming up with possible nicknames for the new deer including "Hampton,""Sweet Pea" and "Nettie."