Along with cooler temperatures and falling leaves, late October until late November brings the rutting season, when bucks seek out does (female deer) for mating. As we near the end of October, you may have observed bucks (male deer) “hanging around” does more, becoming more visible and active. Buck behaviour during rutting season can seem unusual, but they’re really just single-minded as they follow the scent toward a doe.
That distraction means they may follow a doe out into the road without noticing an approaching bike or vehicle. It’s important drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and scooters be mindful and travel even more defensively at this time of year in order to reduce human-deer conflict, especially around dawn and dusk (the most active time for deer) .
While buck behaviour during the rut can appear aggressive, it’s important to remember that in fact, it’s just bucks being bucks and they typically have little interest in us, or anything else.
A few reminders:
? When driving, watch the roadside, especially when you know deer frequent the area. Drive as though you were in a playground or school zone; pay extra attention and reduce speed, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas at dawn and dusk. Scan ahead, looking for movement at the roadside.
? Pay attention to where there are parked cars, if a doe is being pursued by a buck, they can unexpectedly dart out between two cars. If a doe runs across the road (they usually walk relatively slowly), expect that a buck may follow at speed.
? When cycling, give yourself time and space. Take plenty of room so you can react to any unpredictable movement. If it’s safe to do so, pull out from the curb and give the deer a wide berth. Slow down, and just like a driver, scan ahead, looking for movement. Pay particular attention when riding by parked cars in areas where there are deer.
? When walking, keep your distance. While bucks are only interested in other deer, it’s best to keep your distance as you would with any wildlife. Because a deer’s natural response to danger is to flee, always leave it an escape route away from yourself.
? When with dogs, keep them close and calm. No matter their size, dogs are perceived by deer as a potential threat. Always check your yard carefully for deer before letting your dog out. When walking, keep dogs on a leash and if you encounter a deer, keep your dog pulled in close to you, stop it barking if possible, and walk away from the deer.
Bucks also vie with each other for attention from the does, and this can mean they spar with each other, using their antlers. This can be an intense display of showmanship directed at each other, and it’s important to give the bucks wide berth, respecting their space. Keep your distance, watch deer from afar.
For more information on the rut, see:
Deer acting weird? They’re in a rut! – BC SPCA
Falling into the rut – Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society
