Deer are becoming more a
nd more common in human-populated areas and are establishing themselves as a fixture in our neighborhoods. In the coming months we are going to see increased deer activity as fawning season begins in late April and May. Depending on your viewpoint, they’re a nuisance and garden thief, or they’re an attractive addition to your local community. In either case, there are some do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind.
First off, do not feed them or do anything to attract them to your home. For one thing, not all of your human neighbors would appreciate it – particularly those with gardens. And any food that you might put out would also attract other animals that you might not want to have nearby, such as mice or rats. The deer in our backyards are feeding themselves very nicely and do not need your help. In fact, we do not want them to become even more accustomed to human habitats than they already are. For their own sake, we want them to be cautious around humans and avoid us. Another reason to keep them at a distance is that they carry parasites and diseases (ticks, mange, lyme disease, leptospirosis, salmonella and giardia, to name a few) that are contagious to us and our pets1. Your pets belong in your yard; the deer may visit from time to time but do not need to be regulars. In fact, it’s a bad idea to let them become regulars.
In the spring you might encounter a fawn that is bedded down in a corner of your yard or in a wooded area. This is common. The fawn is fine, you should leave it alone and keep your pets and children away from it. Unlike a lot of other animals, deer do not keep their unweaned young with them 24/7; they will leave fawns in a safe, quiet place while they graze nearby2. So, if you see a fawn, just assume that it is most likely not orphaned or abandoned and does not need your help. If you are concerned about it, set up a camera and watch it for a day or two to see if the deer returns. If she doesn’t, call a wildlife rescue organization.
Summing it up, deer are cute and attractive animals. Even though they live close to us, they are still wild animals and its better for all concerned if we leave them alone and admire them from a distance.
References
- American Veterinary Medical Assocation. Disease Precautions for Hunters. Retrieved from Disease precautions for hunters | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)
- Mizejewski, D. (2015, April 15). Finding a Fawn: What to do, retrieved from Finding a Fawn: What To Do • The National Wildlife Federation Blog : The National Wildlife Federation Blog (nwf.org)