As fawning season for mule deer continues, the City has received several calls about aggressive and protective deer in residential and recreational areas.
During fawning season, a doe will often leave her fawn(s) alone for hours at a time while she feeds, returning throughout the day to nurse. If you do find a fawn, be cautious and alert as you may have just come between a mother and her baby.
“Keep wildlife wild and communities safe,” reminds RDOS Community Coordinator for WildsafeBC, Shelley Fiorito. “Deer are a part of the natural environment, but they are wild animals and should be treated with caution, especially during fawning season.”
Fawning season occurs from mid-May to June until the fawns become more independent of their mothers. It is important for pet owners to keep dogs on leash during this time. Does may see pets as predators or threats to their newborns since dogs are members of the canid family and are the natural predators of fawns in the wild. If a dog comes too close, the doe may become aggressive and attack the dog.
According to the WildsafeBC website, if you encounter deer, give them a wide berth and keep pets on leash and under control at all times. If a deer approaches and looks like it may attack you or your pet, avoid eye contact, speak softly and back away slowly. If there is a tree or other solid object nearby, try to get behind it.
If you are attacked by a deer try to stay upright, cover your head with your arms and move to shelter.
If you are concerned for your safety or have sighted deer in your neighbourhood that are no longer afraid of people or pets please report them to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
Visit www.wildsafeBC.com/species/deer for general facts on deer, resources on reducing conflict and tips on landscaping and fencing your property to make it less susceptible to attracting deer.