By Danica Roussy

Urban deer are becoming more of a problem in communities throughout B.C.

Legislation preventing hunting and leash laws within municipalities has helped make urban areas more attractive to deer.

Highly adaptable, the deer have learned how to survive and thrive in urban environments.

It is also important to remember that late May through June is historically the time of year does give birth to their fawns. It is also important for residents to remember that does with fawns are very wary of their surroundings and can act or react aggressively if they feel threatened.

Give the deer plenty of space to either move or leave the area. Do not walk closer to the deer, choose another route. Be sure to walk your dog on a leash and be ready to let go of the leash if a deer attacks.

Deer are normally timid animals but if they become habituated to humans they can become a danger.

Here are a few tips for staying safe near aggressive deer:

• Never approach a deer, especially if it has young with it.
• If a deer does attack you – try to stay upright as they inflict injury by striking at their opponent with their sharp hooves. Cover your head with your arms and back off to some form of shelter.
• Deer may signal an impending attack by laying their ears back and lowering their head.

Cranbrook and Kimberley residents are reminded that if you see or have issues with any wildlife, please call the Provincial RAPP line to report it at 1-877-952-7277, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

This information is passed along directly to the local branch of the BC Conservation Officer Service, where it is recorded and depending on the wildlife issue it will be responded to.

You can also call your local WildSafeBC community coordinator, Danica Roussy, at 250-908-8101 or email her at [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you for doing your part by keeping wildlife wild and communities safe.

– Danica Roussy is Kimberley/Cranbrook WildSafeBC Community Coordinator

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