Skip to content

ONTARIO: Runaway reindeer remains at-large in Collingwood (Update: Captured)

It bolted prior to Christmas celebrations planned for Saturday night

4:30 p.m. update: The runaway reindeer has been found and tranquilized in the area of Admiral elementary school. 

Original story: 3:30 p.m.

COLLINGWOOD - There’s a reindeer wandering in the town of Collingwood.

Susan Nicholson, general manager of the Downtown Collingwood BIA, confirmed the animal is still missing after escaping on Saturday.

A farm from nearby Arthur, ON brought some reindeer for the Christmas celebrations. While unloading one of the animals, another bolted from the back of the trailer.

According to Nicholson, the owner said it’s unusual for a pack animal to bolt, but there was a lot of activity going on Saturday.

There have been several reindeer sightings reported by local residents. Stuart Snelgrove, a sales rep for CollingwoodToday, caught some footage on his camera drone of the reindeer and reported it.

Nicholson said the owners are optimistic the reindeer will be caught and returned to her herd. The owner is working with wranglers, and Nicholson connected the owner with a local wrangler who specializes in finding and herding lost cows.

Nicholson said the best thing for residents to do is report sightings to the OPP via the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. The police are in touch with the owner and were helping in the search efforts. Collingwood residents have been advised not to approach the reindeer for their safety and that of the reindeer.

- CollingwoodToday.ca



Erika Engel

About the Author: Erika Engel

Erika regularly covers all things news in Collingwood as a reporter and editor. She has 15 years of experience as a local journalist
Read more