AlinaFisher, Author at Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society

UWSS Invited to Present to Oak Bay Council

Jul 13, 2015

The Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society is very pleased to have been invited to do a presentation to Oak Bay Council on July 20.

Councillor Eric Zhelka introduced a Notice of Motion in May to invite the UWSS to share the knowledge and expertise of their Board of Directors and Science Advisory Group and explore ways to work together on shared objectives.

The UWSS has provided council with the following update:

• Placed 4 weekly ads in the Oak Bay News in the month of June. In an effort to reduce human-deer conflicts, we have used multiple media channels to provide the public with tips on how to drive safely during fawn season in areas where deer are known to cross and where the largest number of vehicle-deer collisions have occurred in the past;

• We have had “Caution” signs made which have been extremely popular, with demand outstripping our supply. Residents from Victoria and Saanich, as well as Oak Bay, have requested these signs;

• The number of vehicle-deer collisions reported is down – The Oak Bay Chief of Police has informed us that the message seems to be “getting out there” with only 4 reported this year to date;

• We have a website, Facebook page and Twitter account, all of which are being actively followed with a great deal of positive feedback;

• The BC Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Helen Schwantje, has agreed to provide technical advice to our working group, along with our Scientific Advisory Group, which includes an environmental resource economist and a former director of BC wildlife research;

• The BC SPCA fully endorses both our public education campaign and our contraception program, as do a number of animal rights groups such as DeerSafe, the Deer Protection Society and Animal Alliance.

The UWSS believes that by working co-operatively with Oak Bay Municipality and employing a proven, science-based, cost-effective, non-lethal approach, much of the divisive controversy over deer management in our community will disappear, deer-human conflicts will be reduced, and the deer population will be stabilized and also reduced, with fewer fawns being born each spring. Fewer deer will mean our roads will be safer for all!

What to do When Encountering a Deer

Jun 18, 2015

Along with slowing down in areas where deer and fawns are known to be, there are other important things to remember during fawn season. As with all species (including humans), mothers will be very protective of their young, especially if they think their babies may be in danger.

If you are out walking and encounter a doe, it is important to respect her natural instinct to protect her fawns, and to give her lots of space. Cross the street, or turn around and take a different route to your destination.

If you are walking a dog, make sure they are on leash, and keep them close to your side. Dogs, particularly if they bark, are the main reason does become anxious, so again, wide berth is important.

Also check your back yards before letting your dog outside, to ensure a doe or her fawns are not inadvertently startled.

If you come across a fawn, DO NOT TOUCH. Does leave their fawns alone for long periods of time. They come back and check on them, and move them around – in the wild, this protects the fawns from predators. Read some excellent information on what to do if you find a deer fawn.

Remember to slow down and drive cautiously in known deer areas, and be respectful of the maternal instinct – back away and take a detour.

Oak Bay Tea Party Parade

Jun 10, 2015

The Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society could not have asked for a better day, or a better reception, at the Oak Bay Tea Party Parade!

Over 350 of our brochures were distributed, describing our new non-profit society, our objectives, and providing information on the need to drive cautiously in areas where we know deer cross the roads.

Almost 500 Deer Plan stickers were handed out, and the neon logo was seen on people all throughout the day at the Tea Party!

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the UWSS had an amazing float in the parade – all the materials were scrounged from a variety of sites or donated – this was truly a grassroots, community effort, and the float received thumbs up from the large crowd.

A huge thanks to Garden Works Oak Bay for supplying the flowers and plants, and to the Oak Bay High School environment club for their support!

Our sign campaign to slow down and drive cautiously during fawn season (and beyond) is going well – we have placed 50 signs as of today! If you or someone you know would like a sign to help drivers slow down and watch for does and fawns (and children and pets!) please email [email protected].

As well, look for our ads in the Wednesday June 10 edition of the Oak Bay News!

Thank you for your support – drive safely.

Slow Down and Watch for Fawns!

Jun 2, 2015

It’s that time of year – fawns are being born and drivers need to use extra caution.

The UWSS has launched its first major public education and outreach project. Signs that caution drivers to slow down and watch for up to three fawns following their mothers across the street are popping up all over Oak Bay. (If you would like a sign of your own, please email [email protected]. There’s no cost for the signs but a donation would be appreciated.)

We are delighted that the University of Victoria has allowed the UWSS to put several signs up around Ring Road in an effort to increase safety for drivers and deer alike. A number of fawns have been sighted at the University. (Remember – if you see a fawn, leave it alone! The mothers will return after foraging.)

Please remember to drive with caution when you are in areas where we know deer cross. Slow down. Scan ahead. Watch for deer leaping out from between parked cars – they can’t see you either!

And when you see a doe, expect that up to three very young, very inexperienced, and very nervous fawns will be following.

Let’s make our streets safe for you and the deer!

Drive Carefully, it’s Fawn Season!

May 14, 2015

Newborn fawns have been spotted recently, which means soon unsteady little legs will be tentatively setting out to explore the world. Unfortunately for urban deer, that means crossing busy roads.

When you see a doe crossing the street, slow down and keep your eyes open for one, two or even three fawns to come along after their mom.

When you are driving in areas where deer are known to cross the street, slow down (20 to 30 kmh) and scan the sides of the road ahead, especially in the early morning and evening/nighttime, when deer come out of their resting places to forage.

Be particularly careful where there are cars parked along the side of the road. Deer step out onto the street between the cars and since their view is blocked, and yours, it is almost impossible to stop in time.

The best way to prevent having a car-deer collision? Slow down and scan ahead!

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