Rare sighting of White-Tailed Deer in St. Kitts thrills locals

St. Kitts and Nevis: A white-tailed deer, aka Odocoileus virginianus, was spotted on Sunday on the Southeast Peninsula of St Kitts. This rare sighting marked the second known time when this species was seen on the island in 2024. 

According to the information, this uncommon species for this part of the world was introduced to St. Kitts in 1931 for hunting and was released into the Frigate Bay area from the Lodge Estate, where it was originally populated. 

The white-tailed deer are legally protected on the island by the government which shows their prominence in the Caribbean region as well as the continuous efforts of the administration to conserve the population. 

Meanwhile, the authorities have been executing conservation and research efforts to ensure that the deer remains a significant part of the natural heritage of St Kitts and Nevis. 

In spite of being a rare occurrence, deer sightings in the Southeast Peninsula of the island has been long rumored among residents and the recent incident adds to the excitement of the locals. Some people are also stating that it is good that this species is still living on after many decades. 

While showing their excitement the locals took to Facebook to express their views with one user named Milla Don saying, “Its so wild cuz my grandmother used to say there was dears over peninsula all along and I never believed her. she also said St. Kitts had snakes once upon a time.”

Another user noted, “White-tailed deer – introduced for hunting in the 1930 still manages to survive in the hills of the Southeast peninsula of St. Kitts.”

It is to be noted that deer is the only mammal in St Kitts which is protected by law because initially they were introduced for hunting but as the species has managed to live, the government now protects them and their young fawns so that they can multiply themselves hence eliminating the risk of extinction.