Fencing still surrounding the former Deer Pen in Bidwell Park
The Deer Pen was a location in Bidwell Park located near the Chico Creek Nature Center. It was located on 8th Street near Forest Avenue. For decades, deer were kept within a fenced in pen (the fence still exists, but there are currently no deer behind it) and it was seen as an opportunity for the city folk to see some nature. Most who grew up in Chico will likely remember visiting the Deer Pen and possibly feeding the majestic creatures behind the fence. However, the deer were not always properly cared for, as there was not funding set aside for their upkeep.
As is to be expected, recent times made the Deer Pen less than popular among some who felt that it was not a healthy environment for the deer. Some of the deer were eventually removed, and the remainder were allowed to live out their natural lives, but were sterilized to ensure that no new deer would be born into the pen. The last deer passed away in 2005, and the pen has remained empty since then.
Many local kids grew up hearing a legend about a bear cage that was also located at the Deer Pen, although confirmation of this legend is difficult to achieve. There is still a cement slab that was supposed to have had the bear cage on it, but no cage to verify the legend.
