Home CCTV captures deer crashing into family home

A homeowner was left stunned after discovering a young roe deer chasing her dogs outside her house — before settling in and staying on the property for almost three weeks.

The woman and her husband said the animal’s unexpected arrival was captured on their home CCTV system. After contacting the RSPCA for advice, they were told to leave the deer alone so it could move on naturally.

Instead, the young buck, later nicknamed Little Roe, made itself comfortable by creating a makeshift den in a corner of the couple’s Litherland property and showed little sign of leaving.

The RSPCA said it had consulted wildlife specialists and decided the safest option was not to intervene, citing the dangers involved in attempting to capture a deer.

The homeowner, who is in her 40s and asked not to be identified, said the animal eventually wandered off nearly three weeks after first appearing on 8 September. However, she said she remains worried after several recent sightings of what is believed to be the same deer in the area — including reports of it being seen in a supermarket car park.

She said she was “gobsmacked” by the decision not to rescue the deer when she initially reported the incident.

During the animal’s stay, the couple left food such as carrots and horse treats outside. The RSPCA later opened a case after being informed the deer had started approaching the patio doors, raising concerns it might be becoming accustomed to humans.

The woman said she had been told an expert would be sent to tranquillise the deer and relocate it to a nature reserve, but no one ever arrived or followed up.

Describing the moment she first encountered the animal, she said she heard a disturbance and saw her dogs running inside, frightened. When she looked outside, a roe deer was standing there, prompting her to shut the door in shock.

She was advised to leave her gate open so the deer could leave on its own, but said the animal appeared content to stay. She was also warned not to approach it, as deer can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

Over time, the couple adjusted to their unusual visitor. The woman said she would alert the deer before using the garden, allowing it to retreat into nearby bushes.

After eventually leaving the property, the deer was later spotted at a nearby business site, with social media users also reporting sightings near a Tesco store as recently as 31 January.

The RSPCA said deer, while traditionally found in rural environments, are increasingly appearing in towns and cities. A spokesperson said the animal was monitored over several months and showed no signs of injury, illness or immediate welfare concerns.

Officers attempted to locate the deer on 31 December but were unable to find it. The organisation reiterated that attempting a rescue would have posed significant risks.

“Deer are highly sensitive animals and can seriously injure themselves or others if stressed or chased,” the spokesperson said. “Intervening could have endangered both the animal and anyone involved.”