Conservations officers are asking witnesses to come forward after a deer was illegally shot in an “urban community” of Nanaimo, B.C., last week. The animal was killed with a rifle early Friday morning near Wildlife Place and Bird Sanctuary Drive, near Buttertubs Marsh Park, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. “The use of a firearm in a residential area presents a significant public safety concern,” the BCCOS said in a Facebook post over the weekend. “Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, observed suspicious activity, or has information that may assist the investigation to come forward.” Conservation officers said the deer was shot between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The social media post does not explain how officers learned about the shooting, or whether a suspect has already been identified. CTV News has asked the B.C. Conservation Officer Service for more information. Tips can be provided through the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
