These deer are not only becoming more abundant, but they are increasingly comfortable around humans. The Community Standards Bylaw has regulations on feeding wildlife to reduce conflicts between deer and humans by prohibiting the feeding or attracting of deer. Conflicts include damage to gardens and landscaping, high rates of deer vehicle collisions, aggressive behaviour towards humans and pets, and the potential transmission of disease to humans and livestock as deer carry a variety of ticks.
Deer are herd animals for the winter months and become more solitary when they have and raise their young (mid May through till October). Breeding season, known as the rut, is in November and bucks may become more unpredictable as they compete for the right to breed. As herbivores, they have many natural predators and as such have developed keen senses to ensure their survival. A deer’s hearing is acute and their ability to articulate their ears allows them to pinpoint the sounds of any approaching predators. More information on deer can be found on the WildSafeBC website.
Deer are especially hard to remove from a neighbourhood once they have established themselves, so it is important to ensure that the deer do not become comfortable in your yard as they can attract predatory animals such as bears, cougars and wolves.
Deer are normally timid animals but if they become habituated to humans they can become a danger. Although attacks are rare they do occur and, despite their appearance, deer can inflict serious injuries.
Call the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service toll free at 1.877.952.7277 to report any deer acting aggressively or causing property damage
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