Mixed Bag: Deer with “Pet” spray-painted on its sides found in Lebanon County on opening day

Lebanon, Pa. — A deer with the word “pet” spray-painted on its sides in bright orange letters was found wandering around a community in Lebanon County on the first day of rifle deer season.

The Cornwall Borough Police Department said in a Facebook post that a “very friendly” antlerless male deer walked up to a business in West Cornwall Township on Saturday, Nov. 29. Both sides of the deer’s body were marked with “pet” in fluorescent orange paint.

Police said the deer didn’t seem to be afraid of people, and he acted like he wanted the officer to pet him. He didn’t even run away when the officer turned on the cruiser’s sirens.

“Instead,” police reported, “the animal hung around for about 45 minutes until he went on his way.”

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Notes off a soiled cuff: Upcoming Pennsylvania flintlock season last of its kind

Pennsylvania hunter killed in a large deer drive

Heavy bears highlight Pennsylvania’s 2025 hunting season

Long Lease to Boost Small Businesses at Parks

Harrisburg — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently announced a 35-year lease for the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship to operate gift shops at two popular state parks — Kinzua Bridge and Leonard Harrison — in northcentral Pennsylvania.

This new long-term agreement ensures that the PA Wilds Conservation Shops at these parks will continue to operate long-term. These shops sell products that are 90% sourced from small businesses in rural areas of the PA Wilds, helping them reach more customers.

Presque Isle Park Complex Master Plan Survey

Erie, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is updating the Master Plan for the Presque Isle State Park Complex, which includes Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Erie Bluffs State Park.

As the project begins, DCNR is gathering background information, conducting studies and analysis of the parks – which see an average of 4 million visits a year – and beginning community engagement on future plans.

The master plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 25 years, ensuring a thoughtful balance of natural resource protection and recreational opportunities throughout the park complex. As part of this process, DCNR invites the public to take a 10-minute digital survey to share their experiences, priorities, and ideas for the

parks. Find the survey here.

Woman Attacked By Coyote While Saving Dogs

Washington, Pa. — A woman in southwestern Pennsylvania reported that she recently was attacked by a coyote outside her home while she was checking on her dogs. At the time the dogs were hiding under her truck and refused to come out.

Brandy Williard, of Washington County, fended off the animal’s attack best she could and was left with deep scratches across her shins, thighs, arms, and face.

During the attack, she told a local news outlet, she found herself pinned against the truck. She believes this might have saved her life, because it kept her from being taken down.

Williard is receiving rabies shots following the incident.

New Manager for Hills Creek Park Complex

Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the appointment of Tracy Lambert as the new park manager for the Hills Creek State Park Complex, which includes several state parks in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Lambert has had a diverse career at DCNR, beginning as a seasonal law enforcement ranger at Little Pine and holding subsequent roles as a ranger at Parker Dam State Park, as the assistant manager at Bald Eagle State Park, and as the manager at the Reeds Gap Complex, Sinnemahoning State Park, and the Little Pine Park Complex.

A native of Lucinda, Clarion County, Lambert holds an undergraduate degree in recreation management from Lock Haven University.