Twelve of the 16 deer that escaped from an Otago Venison paddock and ran through the streets of Mosgiel on Monday have ''cleared the urban area''.
Sergeant Kevin Davidson, of Mosgiel, said three distinct groups of the 12 deer still on the loose had retreated into nearby forest area.
The last known sighting was in Milners Rd and Puddle Alley.
''They have all gone bush,'' he said.
Sgt Davidson said an investigation into how the animals escaped from Otago Venison was continuing.
Four of the deer were recaptured soon after escaping.
Andrew Duncan, chief executive of Otago Venison's parent company, Duncan and Co, said no sightings were reported yesterday.
''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 for feed, Mr Duncan said.
Generally shy animals, they would not ''willingly'' be aggressive to humans but were ''best left alone'', he said.
Otago Venison staff were now trying to work out how the deer got loose.
An emergency gate was thought to be the most likely escape route.
Mr Duncan said one of the priorities for the company was to ensure that if deer escaped in the future, they could be contained inside the outer perimeter.
''We're already seeing what needs to be beefed up.''
- Staff reporter & NZME
