McBride BC – Residents woke up to a strange sight yesterday morning when a deer was spotted wandering through town wearing a bright orange high-visibility vest. The unexpected fashion choice has sparked both chuckles and confusion among the locals.
“It was just standing there, right in front of the coffee shop, like it was waiting for a latte,” said Greg Harmon, a lifelong McBride resident. “At first, I thought it was some kind of prank. But no, that deer was fully decked out and totally owning it.”
The deer, nicknamed “Safety Steve” by amused onlookers, was first spotted near the town’s construction zone, prompting speculation about its backstory. Some believe the vest may have been stolen from a nearby worksite, while others think a wildlife enthusiast may have dressed the deer in an attempt to protect it from hunters.
Conservation BC officer Jenna Clarke weighed in on the matter:
“While it’s not illegal for a deer to wear a vest, we certainly don’t recommend it. It could give other deer unrealistic expectations about workplace safety standards.”
The sighting has turned Safety Steve into an overnight sensation, with photos and memes flooding social media. One viral post features the caption, “Deer in high-vis? Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.”
Steve has since been spotted in various locations around town, including the library, the park, and even attempting to join a line at the ICBC Claim Center.
“We’re just grateful it’s staying visible,” said Mayor Linda Perkins. “Honestly, I wish more drivers in this town took safety as seriously as this deer.”
As of this morning, efforts to remove the vest have been unsuccessful, as Safety Steve appears to have embraced his new look, blending into no environment whatsoever.
Residents are advised to keep their distance and, above all, appreciate the unexpected gift of laughter. After all, it’s not every day your small town makes the news for a fashion-forward deer.
