MAHWAH (AP) — Police on Wednesday were investigating whether members of a North Jersey college's baseball team injured or killed a deer on campus.

Mansion Road on the campus of Ramapo College in Mahwah
Mansion Road on the campus of Ramapo College in Mahwah (Ramapo College)
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Police were looking into a report that members of the Ramapo College baseball team were seen chasing deer with sticks outside the school's athletic center on March 24, Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli said.

His department was hoping to speak to the person who alleged a deer was injured or killed.

Injuring any animal is a criminal offense that can be punishable with fines, jail time or both, the chief said.

The school posted on its Facebook page its investigation found deer were not struck or touched. However, the school said the allegations were distressing if deer were disturbed and chased and it was taking the matter very seriously.

The college said the presence of wildlife is what makes its campus special.

The school's Office of Student Conduct was conducting a review to determine whether rules regarding wildlife were violated.

The school prohibits students from destroying natural habitats or causing intentional or reckless harm to wildlife. Students who violate the rules can receive a warning, be placed on probation or even expelled, the school said.

The school said it would notify students of the potential action after the review was completed.

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