Aggressive deer

As this is the time of year that doe deer give birth, it is also the time of year that the Conservation Officer Service receives the most calls on aggressive deer reports.  Almost always the reports start off with “I was out walking my dog….”

Female deer can be very protective mothers and will defend their young from predators. Doe deer view domestic dogs as potential predators and may act quickly and aggressively to drive a dog away from the fawn(s), even if the dog is in the owner’s backyard or is on a leash being walked by the owner. Does that have lost their fear of people may even act aggressively toward humans who wander too close to their fawns. This is a temporary situation.  Does often will have their fawns in locations away from other does. This insures that the fawns imprint on their mothers and not on another doe. In urban or suburban areas, these fawning sites may quite often be in secluded backyards with plenty of plant life for protective cover. However, once the fawns are strong enough on their legs to keep up with their mother, the female will lead them back to where she typically lives. In the interim, it is best for the homeowner’s family and pet dogs to give the fawn in their yard a wide berth (e.g., walk your dog in the front yard if there is a newborn fawn in the backyard).  If you are walking your dog on trails, understand the anxiety of the mother deer and give her a wide margin.  It may be prudent to carry a walking stick at this time of the year or avoid trails known to be frequented by deer.

Bob Hamilton Conservation Officer Service 102 Industrial Place, Penticton, BC  V2A7C8 Tel: (250) 490-8211  Fax: (250) 490-8210 mailto:bob.hamilton@gov.bc.ca