Deer Spotted Grazing at George Page Park in Trenton
Last week, observers reported a striking antlered deer grazing peacefully in George Page Park, located near Assunpink Creek in Trenton. This sighting marks an unusual occurrence for the urban park environment on North Olden Avenue.
While deer are common in nearby municipalities such as Princeton and Hopewell Township, this is the first confirmed daylight observation of a deer in George Page Park. The animal’s presence suggests it may have crossed Assunpink Creek—likely via a bridge or by wading—connecting to the nearby Hetzel Field, a known habitat frequented by local deer populations.
Local Wildlife Diversity in George Page Park
George Page Park hosts a diverse range of wildlife beyond this recent deer sighting. Its animal residents include:
- Crane
- Beaver
- Geese
- Woodchucks
- Various species of birds and squirrels
The addition of deer expands the known fauna of the park and indicates a potentially healthy, connected ecosystem despite the urban setting.
Wildlife Expert Perspective
Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), commonly known as white-tailed deer, are highly adaptable mammals capable of navigating fragmented landscapes, including urban and suburban zones. The antlered buck’s presence during daylight hours is notable since deer generally display crepuscular activity patterns—being most active at dawn and dusk—to reduce predation risks.
This sighting also demonstrates how natural corridors along waterways like Assunpink Creek provide crucial routes for wildlife movement and gene flow between habitat patches.
Cultural Note on Deer and Hunting
The excitement over this sighting brings to mind a famous cinematic moment referencing deer hunting culture. In the film My Cousin Vinny, Marisa Tomei’s character delivers a memorable monologue on the perspective of a deer, humorously highlighting the brutal reality behind hunting.
This deer sighting in an urban park underlines the delicate balance between wildlife presence and human activities in populated areas.
About the Reporter
The original report was filed by L.A. Parker for The Trentonian on October 14, 2025. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @LAParker6.
Additional reporting and sources from: Add deer to the wildlife sightings in George Page Park in Trenton
