Residents of South Hay have been surprised by the sudden appearance of a deer in the street.

The animal was spotted in Lang Street, hopping from garden to garden, though the grounds of Comfort Inn Bishop's Lodge Motel, before heading along the busy Sturt Highway.

It appears to be an adult male, which can become aggressive, so residents are urged not to approach.

Feral deer populations now exist in many regions across Australia, and are classed by the Invasive Species Council of Australia and the countries worst emerging pest problem.