A Penticton resident recently came across a sight that gave him cause for concern.

What looked to be an older deer was spotted by Matthew Robertson in the South Okanagan, which didn鈥檛 appear too unsual until it was apparent there was a large growth drooping from the animal鈥檚 face.

Robertson said he crept toward the animal being extra cautious not to frighten it.

鈥淭he deer stayed in one spot being very calm,鈥� said Robertson. 鈥淚t put on a great smile for my photo.鈥�

After taking the picture, Robertson shared the image with a few friends, troubled over the animal鈥檚 welfare.

鈥淎pparently he is very popular in town,鈥� explained the photographer.

Conservation Officer Jim Beck also said he has seen this deer with the growth, and took a photo for the Ministry鈥檚 wildlife biologist to have a look at.

Dave Townsend with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations says the growth appears to be a large papilloma, or a benign epithelial tumour, pulling in the neck skin. He said it most likely will fall off.

Which is good news for this local wildlife celebrity.