Twelve of the 16 deer that escaped from an Otago Venison paddock and ran through the streets of Mosgiel yesterday have "cleared the urban area''.
Sergeant Kevin Davidson of the Mosgiel police said that three distinct groups of the 12 deer still on the loose had retreated into nearby forest area.
The last known sighting was on Milners and Puddle Alley Rd.
"They have all gone bush,'' he said.
Sgt Davidson said an investigation into how the animals escaped was continuing.
Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said yesterday four of the deer were captured right away, and the other 12 ''took off''.
The deer were spotted ''evading capture'' in Factory Rd, High St, Haggart St and Alexander Dr.
Six had been spotted heading north into a forestry block, while another five were seen in a different part of town.
''One was seen at a plumber's yard in Dukes Rd, but it has since disappeared,'' Sgt Dinnissen said.
No property damage had been reported, he said.
''There may be a few hoof-marks in people's gardens, a couple of carrots gone missing, but nothing's been reported.''
Police were advising residents to steer clear of the animals if spotted yesterday, as they could be dangerous if spooked.
Andrew Duncan, chief executive of Otago Venison's parent company Duncan & Co, said while it was difficult to know if there were any on the loose, there had been no sightings reported today.
"Our first concern is public safety and also the welfare of the animals," he said.
"From first light this morning we have been checking to see if there have been any roaming around and so far there have been no reports."
The deer would naturally head into the hills overnight for feed, Mr Duncan said.
Generally shy animals, they would not "willingly" be aggressive to humans but are "best left alone", he added.
Now, Otago Venison staff are trying to work out how they got loose.
An emergency gate is suspected of being the most likely escape route.
Mr Duncan said one of their priorities now is to ensure that if deer escape in the future, how they can be contained inside the outer perimeter.
"We're already seeing what needs to be beefed up."
We don't know about you, but this story brought to mind this classic song.
