Typically, the largest Capitol Hill fauna we encounter are the man-sized raccoons sometimes found hustling across a dark street. But there are larger creatures in our midst. Here’s a report — and pictures! — from neighbor Annie:

I’m writing to report a deer sighting in North Capitol Hill.  I woke up this morning [Monday] at 9am and as I walked into my kitchen and looked out the window into my backyard, I saw this beautiful deer eating one of my hostas!  I could hardly believe my eyes!  I watched her eat, then turn and drink from my birdbath sitting on the brick wall, then she leaped over the wall and ran down into the St. Mark’s Greenbelt behind my house. I grabbed my camera and took a couple of shots through the kitchen window, but they didn’t turn out great.  I thought this might be something you would want to report to the community.  In case anyone else sees the deer, Fish and Wildlife recommends that the public not approach the deer, just enjoy the sight from afar.

Shelley says she’s seen the greenbelt deer, too:

I saw a deer on Prospect and Boylston this morning- a few blocks from the west side of Volunteer park. I’ve lived here for six years and never seen one- has anyone else? It was big but still had it’s spots, so maybe it was a yearling? I’m always amazed at the city dwelling animals.

These Capitol Hill reports were preceded by a handful of ruminant sightings in the Central District earlier this summer.

With the push toward more and more urban farming, can urban game hunting be far behind?