Next Phase of Deer Management Plan Starting

Next Phase of Deer Management Plan Starting

Feb 16, 2018

Good News!

The Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society will begin the next phase of an urban deer management plan to capture and GPS collar 20 does in the District of Oak Bay over the end of February and into early March, weather dependent.

The collars will allow the does to be tracked to gather information on the ecology of urban deer and to develop an understanding of their movement patterns, density and population size. The overall goal of the management plan is to gradually reduce the number of urban deer using a science-based, non-lethal approach.

The does will be sedated and assessed through a brief physical exam. After being fitted for GPS collars and ear tagged for future identification, the does will be closely monitored until the effects of the sedative wear off (approximately 5-10 minutes later). This process of sedating has a history of proven success in our province, and is used regularly by BC Fish & Wildlife.

The field work will be performed by a veterinarian experienced with sedating large wildlife, an expert wildlife researcher, and their team. It will take place at various locations around Oak Bay beginning at dawn on field dates, and a clearly marked crew will be in attendance with stop signs and cones and will be monitoring for pedestrians and traffic to ensure everyone’s safety. The Oak Bay Police and Conservation Officers have been informed of our work.

It’s great to see the fruition of the partnership between the District of Oak Bay and the Province of BC on this research project, and we’re very happy to have the full endorsement of the BC SPCA. Information on urban deer ecology has largely been missing; we believe the data and long term goals  will position Oak Bay as a North American leader in effective urban deer management that is consistent with community values around preserving the natural environment and coexisting with indigenous wildlife.

Safe Deer Interactions in the Fall

Safe Deer Interactions in the Fall

Oct 25, 2017

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR…

…when it’s getting dark earlier, raining often and visibility is poor. When driving it can be harder to see deer (and people) crossing the road. As well, late October and November is the “rutting season,” when bucks can move suddenly and unpredictably.

THERE ARE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP AVOID A VEHICLE-DEER COLLISION:

  • Scan the road ahead and from side to side
  • Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk.
  • Watch your speed and be vigilant when driving at night. A slower speed will give you more time to react.
  • If you see one deer cross the road, always assume there will be more.
  • Watch for deer coming out from between parked cars.

WHEN WALKING OR JOGGING WITH YOUR DOG:

  • Keep your dog on a leash.
  • If you encounter a deer, pull your dog close to you, turn your dog away from the deer and prevent it from barking.
  • Reverse direction away from the deer and take another route.
  • Be watchful for deer when walking at dawn and dusk.

BE DEER AWARE.

Bucks and does are more active at this time of the year. It’s very important to do a thorough check of your yard for deer before letting your dog out.

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photo credit: midlander1231 Evening in the Forest via photopin (license)

Deer-Resistant Gardens

Deer-Resistant Gardens

Aug 20, 2017

Read how Oak Bay home owners turned their property into a Garry Oak meadow – “Good for the environment and the local ecosystem.”

House Beautiful: At home in a restored Garry oak meadow

A “natural” garden works well to not only help balance the ecosystem and give back to the environment. It’s a way to adapt to climate change and increasing temperatures, as native plants require far less water and are disease resistant.

When landscaping your garden, think about grasses and native plants to create a beautiful, natural landscape.

Learn more about deer-resistant gardening.

Presentation to Victoria Council

Presentation to Victoria Council

Aug 20, 2017

The UWSS presented to Victoria Council on July 27, as a follow up to a wide ranging staff report on urban deer management provided to Council.

To see the informative PowerPoint and listen to the presentation, click here http://victoria.ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=987 and go to Item #4.

As well, Victoria Council has passed the following motions :

That the Mayor write to the CRD, Premier and the Minister Responsible and ask them to take a more active role in deer management, including public education, community surveys and deer inventories.

And that Council seek funding to work with the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society to do appropriate public education, a community survey, and a population count and to have staff do an inventory of impacts.

And to direct staff to report back if no funding is available.

Avoiding Close Encounters of the Road Kind

Avoiding Close Encounters of the Road Kind

Jul 15, 2017

One of the enduring joys for those of us lucky enough to live in the Greater Victoria area is the abundance of green space and wildlife in our community, whether birds, deer or other creatures. But being surrounded by nature requires a different level of awareness than in your typical urban-area concrete jungle.

That’s especially true this time of year when fawns are trailing behind their mothers, in some cases following long-established deer trails, exuberantly oblivious to the dangers of the road.

Hitting a deer, whether a doe, a fawn or a buck, is an upsetting experience for the occupants of a car and any witnesses. No one likes to see an animal suffer, injure themselves or damage their vehicles as a result of a collision.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a vehicle-deer collision. Remember that deer movements are unpredictable. Watch for our “Caution – Expect Deer” lawn signs or provincial deer crossing signs. Particularly at dawn and dusk – prime time for deer:

  • Slow down and scan ahead.
  • When you see one deer, expect more! Does are likely to have 1-3 fawns following.
  • Remember, fawns run after their mothers with no thought to traffic.
  • Stopping your vehicle is safest when one deer crosses— wait to see if there are more to come.
  • Alert other drivers by flashing your lights or putting out your hand as a stop signal.
  • If a vehicle ahead is stopped and it’s not clear why — stop! It might be waiting for a fawn, pet or pedestrian to cross.
  • Deer are easily spooked, especially by dogs, and can leap out unexpectedly— be aware of the road side. Honking only spooks a deer further.

Learn more about how to avoid a deer-vehicle collision, and what to do if you’re involved in one.

Get a “Caution – Expect Deer” sign for your lawn.

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