MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell’s unofficial town mascot has made a rousing reappearance near Bella’s Butterfly Garden.
Dubbed “Bucky,” the minor celebrity is a tame deer who is more than happy to hang out around humans, accepting food and even head pets. There was some concern that he had been shot by a hunter from outside the area as he has been keeping a relatively low profile lately. Bucky is so docile, humans have even put a collar on him to try and tell strangers that he isn’t exactly the average deer.
Kool 98.3 morning show host Chris Johnson was out for an evening walk on Monday when he crossed paths with the cuddly cervid. Velveted antlers sprang out in either direction giving an immediate clue as to how the Buckster got his name.
Bucky is still a wild animal so approach with caution, but a friendly demeanor will make for an unmistakable experience. Anything other than kindness and Bucky disappears in a white-tailed flash.
Watch Chris’s interaction with Bucky below. It looks more like a scene from a Jack Hanna television appearance than an encounter with a wild animal.