Mystery Grips Grand Forks: Dozens of Deer Found Dead, Sparking Urgent Investigation

An alarming and mysterious wave of death has swept through the deer population of Grand Forks, British Columbia, leaving residents and wildlife officials deeply concerned. In a span of just two weeks, over 30 deer carcasses have been discovered in and around the small city, prompting an urgent investigation into the cause of this devastating die-off.

The grim discovery includes both mule deer and white-tailed deer, many of which exhibited disturbing symptoms before succumbing.

Reports from locals and conservation officers describe animals appearing emaciated, displaying unusually disoriented behaviour, and in some tragic cases, even foaming at the mouth. This rapid succession of deaths has created a palpable sense of unease within the community, as the normally vibrant deer population faces an unseen threat.

Authorities are now focusing their efforts on identifying a specific pathogen, with hemorrhagic disease, particularly Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) or Bluetongue, as the primary suspect.

These viral diseases, transmitted by biting midges, can lead to severe internal bleeding, high fever, swelling, and lesions, ultimately proving fatal to deer. While not typically a threat to humans or domestic animals, the rapid spread and devastating impact on deer populations are a major ecological concern.

The B.C.

Wildlife Federation, along with WildSafeBC and the Ministry of Forests, have swiftly mobilized to address the crisis. Samples from the deceased animals have been collected and sent to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for comprehensive testing. This crucial step will help confirm the presence of EHD or Bluetongue, or identify any other potential diseases, providing vital information to understand and potentially mitigate future outbreaks.

This isn't the first time B.C.

has witnessed such a tragic event. Similar outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease have occurred in the province's Interior, including a significant EHD event in 2021 and a bluetongue outbreak in the Creston Valley in 2023. These past incidents underscore the cyclical nature of such diseases and the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to protect wildlife health.

Residents of Grand Forks are urged to remain vigilant and play a crucial role in the investigation.

They are advised to report any sightings of sick, dying, or dead deer to local conservation officers immediately. However, it is paramount that the public refrains from approaching or handling any carcasses, as this could pose health risks or interfere with the ongoing investigation. Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife is always recommended.

As the community waits anxiously for the test results, the mystery of the mass deer deaths serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the constant challenges faced by wildlife.

The hope is that these investigations will not only provide answers but also equip wildlife managers with the knowledge needed to protect Grand Forks' iconic deer population from future outbreaks.