KGW photo

Snowball.

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Oregon's most famous deer is moving to Douglas County.

Snowball will be kept at an expanded petting zoo at Wildlife Safari in Winston south of Roseburg.

A Molalla family rescued Snowball from the roadside and kept her for six years, nursing her back to health.

The deer was found lying on the side of the road by the Mantei family's house. The young deer's back legs were badly deformed, causing the hooves to cut into the skin every time the deer tried to take a step.

Along with leg deformities that needed expensive veterinary care, Snowball has an unusual white coat that likely would have made her an easier target for predators in the wild.

Under state law, removing or capturing wildlife and keeping wildlife in captivity without a permit are considered Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine.

In 2007, officials with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seized the deer. That prompted a lengthy and expensive legal battle.

In fact, the family is still fighting over Snowball's custody in court.

But ODFW says it has authority to move Snowball to the 600-acre Wildlife Safari.

The move is expected by the end of the month.