Resident upset with Colorado Parks and Wildlife over dead deer

Posted: Nov 9, 2012 6:45 PM by Eric Ross
Updated: Nov 11, 2012 12:59 PM

COLORADO SPRINGS- A resident is upset with Colorado Parks and Wildlife after he says they did nothing to help him remove a dead deer from his backyard.

When Doug Lewis came home from work Thursday, he found an unwelcoming guest on his property.

"I looked over the balcony and noticed there was a 300 lb. deer in my backyard," Lewis said.

He picked up the phone and called the wildlife center for help.

"We'll provide you some advice and resources as to what to do next," spokesperson Michael Seraphin said.

Lewis says he was all but pleased with the response he received from the department.

"The person there proceeded to tell me as of July 1st, it was no longer the responsibility of the wildlife department to dispose of dead animals in somebody's private property."

Seraphin denies the July 1 rule change, saying it's been the homeowner's responsibility to remove dead animals from their property for years.

"I don't know if there is actually a law, it's just the way that things are done."

Lewis proceeded to make a few other calls and found out it costs about $200 for dead deer removal.

It's an expense he felt he shouldn't have to pay.

"There has to be a different answer other than it being all about the money," Lewis said.

The department says it's not about money but rather, a lack of resources.

With only 8 officers serving the southeastern region, Seraphin says they can't possibly remove every dead animal from a home.

It's a lesson learned for Lewis, and a situation he never wants to deal with again.

After making several phone calls, the Wolf Rescue organization in Colorado Springs picked up the dead deer from Lewis' home free of charge.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife may come out to the situations involving dangerous animals.

News 5 also learned the city or county is responsible for dead animals left on public property.