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It’s Springtime and that means newborn fawns!

May 12, 2026

It’s Springtime and that means newborn fawns!

It’s that lovely time of year again, and that means it’s fawning season and time to be alert to deer’s unique behaviour, particularly does and fawns.

We sometimes hear does behaviour described as “aggressive”, but the better word is “protective”. Just as any mama is protective of their child if they perceive danger, does also are protective of their young.

For the first few weeks of life, does attempt to “hide” their fawns to keep them safe from predators (fawns have no scent for their first two weeks of life, protecting them from predators in the wild – in the urban area this primarily means humans and dogs). As a result, when you are out walking, you may see a doe, but not the fawn. You could inadvertently be walking towards the fawn and this will worry the doe. She will likely try to intimidate you by either following you, or taking a protective stance. It may look threatening, but she’s trying to send you a message to stay away from her fawn.

There are some easy steps to take to avoid any human-deer conflict:

Change your route – if a deer appears to be following you, try changing direction. You may unknowingly be walking toward a hidden fawn.
Cross the street – rather than confronting the deer, cross the road.

Remain quiet – waving your arms and yelling is threatening to the doe, causing the mother to feel even more protective of her fawn.
Keep your dog near you – deer perceive dogs as a natural threat, regardless of their size, age, or demeanour. When you’re walking your dog in a neighbourhood or area where you know there are deer, it’s very important to keep your dog leashed. If you see a deer, keep your dog close to you as you walk. Never release the leash to let the dog try to chase the deer away, that will only end in conflict.
If you find a fawn, leave it alone – does shelter fawns from predators, leaving for long periods to forage, then returning for fawns to suckle. Because fawns are born without scent, for the first few weeks does may feed and sleep a considerable distance from the fawn to reduce the chance of attracting predators. BC SPCA’s WildARC receives numerous calls from people who have found an “orphaned” fawn, but typically advise residents to leave it alone – the mother is likely nearby and will return once you leave. However, if it appears cold, weak, thin, injured, bleats repetitively, or if the mother has not returned to a seemingly healthy fawn for more than ten hours, call WildArc at 1-855-622-7722. If you do find a fawn in distress do not attempt to move it, leave it lots of space, and alert others to stay away until you have instructions from Wild Arc. If you are aware that someone handled the fawn, take an old towel, rub it on the grass and then gently wipe the fawn down. The mama doe will be less likely to return to her fawn if it’s been handled by humans.
When driving – especially at dawn and dusk, reduce your chance of hitting a deer by slowing down and scanning both sides of the road. If you see deer grazing at the side of the road, slow down just as you would if it was a child playing. Stay alert and focused and remember that deer are rarely alone – and at this time of year a doe will likely have two fawns following happily along behind her, oblivious to the dangers of fast-moving cars. So, if you see one deer crossing – take an extra minute and wait to make sure a fawn or two aren’t following. Lastly, be aware that honking your horn/flashing your high beams may startle the deer into running into the road, or freezing in the middle – hence the phrase “frozen like a deer in the headlights”.

For more information, please go to SPCA.bc.ca

Update On Oak Bay’s IC Research Project

Jul 28, 2025

Update On Oak Bay’s IC Research Project

Well – we did it! After six to eight years of a Provincial, Municipal and UWSS cost-share research project on how effective immuno-contraception would be on managing an urban deer population, our amazing science team has published a “final” report, and the verdict is in – IC is effective in reducing and maintaining the deer population – for a time.

Please see the report at https://www.oakbay.ca/community-culture/pets-wildlife/urban-deer/ (under “History / 2025”)

NEXT STEPS

Oak Bay Council and the Provincial Gov’t have the report, and we understand there has been a meeting between the District and the Province to consider “operationalizing” IC as a deer management tool. In the meantime, there is no longer a cost-share program. While the UWSS would love to see the science team continue with the project, at this point funding has been limited to animal welfare (ensuring that if there are any issues with any of the deer that have been tagged or collared our wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Adam Hering, will be able to check on them), and a small amount to allow us to continue to collect and analyze data from the 39 cameras spread across Oak Bay.

So, we are currently in a holding pattern for now. We know that the efficacy of IC is for between 3-5 years, so anecdotally we’re noting an uptick in the number of fawns we’re seeing this spring and summer. Our hope is that we will be able to build on the success of the project to date and that we will be able to administer IC to the deer population again either as a research project (there is a new vaccine that our team is using in Esquimalt that we would like to use here, it requires less vaccine boostering), or simply as an operational project.

Community information presentation

For next steps and to continue community education and engagement, look for an Oak Bay community information presentation, sponsored by the Community Association of Oak Bay (CAOB) to be held in late October, we will let you know the date closer to the time!

Baby, it’s cold (and wet) outside

Jan 2, 2025

Stay Safe on the Roads: Watch for Deer in Cold, Wet Weather

As temperatures drop and wet weather sets in, many animals, including deer, adapt to the challenging conditions. You might notice fewer deer actively moving around in the cold, wet months. Deer are “hunkering down,” conserving energy by staying in sheltered areas during harsh weather. However, this doesn’t mean they’re out of sight and out of mind—especially when it comes to road safety.

Why Drivers Need to Stay Alert

Even though deer may be less active, poor weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow significantly reduce visibility on the roads. These conditions also make it harder for drivers to spot animals near or on the roadway. Deer can still dart out unexpectedly, especially during dawn and dusk when visibility is naturally lower and deer tend to be more active.

Cold, wet weather can also lead to slick roads, making it more difficult to stop quickly if a deer crosses your path. This combination of lowered visibility and reduced traction can make collisions more likely if drivers aren’t prepared.

Tips for Safe Driving in Deer Country

Slow Down in Poor Weather: Reduced speed gives you more time to react if you see a deer.
Use Your High Beams When Possible: High beams can help you spot deer sooner, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.
Stay Extra Vigilant Near Treed Areas: These are common deer habitats, and deer often gather near roadsides for easier travel.
Watch for Groups: Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, more are likely nearby.
Avoid Sudden Swerves: If a deer crosses your path, brake firmly but avoid swerving, as this can lead to losing control of your vehicle.

What to Do If You Encounter a Deer

If you see a deer ahead, reduce your speed gradually and honk your horn to alert the animal. If a collision is unavoidable, try to hit the deer at an angle to reduce the force of impact, while still keeping control of your vehicle.

Protecting Deer and Yourself

Deer are an integral part of our local ecosystem, and understanding their behavior can help us coexist safely. By staying cautious and aware on the roads, especially during cold and wet weather, we can help reduce accidents and protect both wildlife and ourselves.

The Timeless Symbolism of Deer: Myth, Nature, and Harmony

Dec 17, 2024

Deer have long captured the imagination of humans, their graceful movements and serene presence inspiring stories, myths, and art across cultures. But what makes these creatures so enchanting? From ancient legends to their role in today’s ecosystems, the symbolism of deer offers insights into our connection to nature and each other.

By Shonagon - Shonagon, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113243879

Deer in Mythology: Messengers of the Divine

Throughout history, deer have been seen as more than just forest dwellers. They often appear in mythology as symbols of guidance, spiritual connection, and transformation.

Native American Traditions: Deer are frequently associated with kindness, balance, and intuition. Many tribes believe that deer teach us how to live gently on the Earth while maintaining strength and resilience.
Celtic Lore: In Celtic myths, deer are viewed as messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. The stag, in particular, symbolizes leadership and the journey to self-discovery.
Greek and Roman Mythology: Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, is often depicted alongside deer, embodying both the grace and wildness of nature. Deer were sacred to her, symbolizing protection and harmony.

Deer as Symbols in Modern Times

Today, deer continue to hold symbolic significance. They remind us of the importance of harmony with the natural world. Spotting a deer in the wild is often seen as a moment of peace and mindfulness, a chance to reconnect with something greater than ourselves.

In literature and art, deer often represent purity, renewal, and the human longing for freedom. Their delicate movements evoke both vulnerability and strength—a powerful combination that resonates with many.

The Real-Life Importance of Deer

Beyond their mythological roots, deer play a critical role in our ecosystems. As herbivores, they influence plant growth and maintain forest health. However, their populations must be carefully managed to prevent overgrazing, which can harm the very ecosystems they help sustain.

Conservation efforts today focus on balancing deer populations with their habitats, ensuring these majestic animals continue to thrive in harmony with the world around them.

What Deer Can Teach Us

Deer remind us to tread lightly, to move with purpose, and to stay attuned to the world’s subtle rhythms. Their symbolism—whether as spiritual guides or ecological keystones—offers a timeless lesson: balance is key, in both nature and life.

So the next time you encounter a deer, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and grace. You’re witnessing a living symbol of harmony between humans and the natural world—a connection we can all strive to nurture.

Discover More

Curious about the mythology and meaning of other animals? Explore our blog for more insights into the wildlife around us and the stories they inspire.

Embracing the Rut: A Time of Change in Nature

Oct 22, 2024

How to Enjoy Observing the Rut

Keep your distance: Watch deer from afar using binoculars or a zoom lens.
Stay quiet: Avoid loud noises to let the deer act naturally.
Be mindful: Watch for deer, especially around dawn and dusk.
Respect their space: Give deer plenty of room and don’t disturb them

As autumn settles in and the vibrant colours of summer transition to the golden hues of fall, wildlife enters a period of activity known as the rut. This season marks an important time for deer as they prepare for one of the most essential aspects of their natural cycle: breeding. The rut is a fascinating and beautiful event in nature, offering us a glimpse into the rhythm of wildlife as it unfolds around us.

What Is the Rut?

The rut refers to the breeding season for deer, particularly species like mule deer and white-tailed deer. During this time, bucks (male deer) focus their energy on seeking mates, which leads to noticeable changes in their behavior. They become more active, traveling greater distances and engaging with other bucks in displays of strength and endurance.

One of the most striking behaviors during the rut is the sparring between bucks. These graceful animals often lock antlers in a natural display, showcasing their strength and agility. It’s a captivating part of the rut that reflects the beauty and vitality of wildlife in motion.

The Rut’s Timing and Impact

The rut typically occurs in the late fall, although the timing can vary depending on factors such as climate, daylight hours, and location. In British Columbia, for example, the rut often takes place in October and November as the days shorten and temperatures cool.

For those who love wildlife, this is a wonderful time to observe deer at their most active. Bucks are often more visible as they move across the landscape, making it a great opportunity to appreciate their graceful movements and natural behaviors. However, it’s important to remain mindful of your surroundings, especially if you’re driving in areas where deer are present, as they may be more likely to cross roads during this time.

Why Is the Rut Important?

The rut plays a vital role in maintaining healthy deer populations. By selecting mates during this season, deer ensure the continuation of their species and the passing on of traits that help them thrive in their environment.

The increased movement of deer during the rut also supports the broader ecosystem, as it contributes to a dynamic and balanced wildlife community. The natural interactions between deer and other animals help maintain the health of both predator and prey populations, promoting a balanced and resilient ecosystem.

How to Enjoy Observing the Rut

If you’re interested in observing the rut, it can be a rewarding and peaceful experience. Here are a few tips to ensure you enjoy it fully while respecting the wildlife:

Watch from a distance: Deer are most comfortable when they have space, so use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe their natural behaviours without disturbing them.
Enjoy the quiet: Keep noise to a minimum so that the deer can remain undisturbed. The quieter you are, the more likely you’ll be able to witness their natural interactions.
Stay mindful: Whether walking or driving in areas where deer are active, remain attentive. Dawn and dusk are when deer are most active, and it’s a wonderful time to see them in motion.
Respect nature: While it’s tempting to get closer for a better view, it’s best to give deer the space they need to engage in their natural routines without interference.

A Season of Continuity

The rut is a powerful reminder of the natural cycles that shape life in the wild. As deer engage in this essential part of their lives, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things and the ways in which nature’s patterns ensure the continuation of life.

As you step outside this fall and take in the cool air and changing leaves, remember the quiet beauty of the rut unfolding around you. It’s a time of renewal and strength for deer, and an opportunity for us to connect with the natural world and witness the seamless flow of life that surrounds us.

The connection between freshwater mammals and urban deer

Mar 14, 2024

Dr. Jason T. Fisher, lead scientist for the Urban Deer Research Project in Oak Bay, was recently the subject of an article in the Oak Bay News (see page A4).

While “Accelerated human-induced extinction crisis in the world’s freshwater mammals” may sound like quite a stretch from Oak Bay’s Urban Deer, in fact there are a number of connections that can be made between the two studies. The most significant parallel is the impact of human activity and how it encroaches on land and water habitats. Along with increasing aridity (see Dr. Fisher’s peer reviewed paper on habitat use in Oak Bay), pesticide use and the continually expanding impact of the human footprint and climate change, the relationship between land, water and the human species are deeply intertwined. Dr. Fisher’s work in Oak Bay and globally, helps us understand our impact, role and responsibilities, as well as how much we can learn from Indigenous ways of living in harmony with the land, water and other species.

The UWSS and Oak Bay is so lucky to have Dr. Fisher lead the cutting edge and recognized work of the immuno-contraception research in Oak Bay!

Falling into the rut

Oct 25, 2023

by Jen Blythe

It’s that time of year!

While we’ve all enjoyed the brisk, sunny transition to fall, the shorter, darker, days are here, and so is the rain. A reminder to not let the fall weather bring the ‘perfect storm’ for deer or you!

Some strategies for reducing collisions during wet, dark fall days:

Whether you’re commuting by car, bike, scooter or skateboard, an earlier dawn and later dusk means you will be on the road at the same time that deer are also more active. At the same time, younger deer may lack the “street sense” of the older does and bucks, so whether they’re simply unaware or get spooked by a dog or car, for example, deer can bolt from bushes, gardens or between parked cars … and right into traffic.

Add to that the slick streets, the glare from headlights and busier roadways as we head to work, school and activities, and you have a “perfect storm” for both deer and travellers to navigate.

To help avoid collisions with deer (and other road users):

Slow down and scan ahead – Especially important in areas deer are known to frequent, but good practice wherever you’re driving as children, dogs, deer and others can appear quickly and without warning. You would slow down if you saw children at the side of the road right? Doing the same for deer and any wildlife will help reduce collisions.

Anticipate deer and give them space – Deer rarely travel alone, so if you see one, others will typically follow. Give them time and space to pass safely.

Drive defensively – deer rarely jump out in front of a car unless they’re spooked. If you drive defensively you will likely see deer at the side of the road “thinking” about crossing, giving you time to slow down as you would in a school zone. However, if a collision with wildlife seems imminent, avoid swerving, as this can cause more damage and personal injury. Instead, remove your foot from the accelerator and brake lightly, keeping the vehicle straight.

At the same time…

If dark days and rain weren’t enough, further adding to the fall and winter mix is rutting season, which typically begins at the end of October and goes through November. As bucks become single-minded in their purpose, they can easily follow the scent of a doe … right into the road.

You might also see bucks tangling with trees, poles or anything else they can practice their bravado on, and later engaging in tussles with other bucks as they strut their stuff for the does. While it may appear aggressive, in fact, it’s just bucks being bucks and they typically have little interest in us or anything else.

As always, leave an escape route for deer that’s far away from yourself. Because dogs – no matter their size – are perceived as a threat, always check your yard carefully for deer before letting your dog out, and when walking, keep them leashed. If you encounter a deer, shorten the lead, stop your dog barking if possible, and back away to give deer more distance.

Cats on the prowl

Jun 8, 2023

Have you heard more about cougars on Vancouver Island over the last few weeks? Farmers in the province have reported losing dozens of lambs in the past two months. Our lead researcher on the deer project, Dr. Jason Fisher was interviewed on CBC Radio’s “All Points West” to talk about the BC Conservation Officer Service’s suggested mitigation strategies for preventing cougar attacks. Find out more at https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93-all-points-west/clip/15987718-farmers-report-increase-cougar-attacks-livestock

Photo (right): Pixabay

Abnormal antler growth

Jun 5, 2023

Photo from Vancouver Island Free Daily: Oak Bay resident Doug Clarke posted a photo of a male deer with a growth at the bottom of its left antler, taken on May 22 in the Rockland neighbourhood. (Courtesy of Doug Clarke/Facebook)

Friends on the Oak Bay Local Facebook group may have seen the photo (left) of this buck with abnormal antler growth. Our wildlife veterinarian Adam Hering spoke to Vancouver Island Free Daily, noting that it’s likely due to an injury rather than an infection. Read the full story at https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/abnormal-growth-on-oak-bay-deer-likely-caused-by-injury/

Are those collars too tight?

Apr 12, 2023

A big thank you to Dr. Adam Hering and team of volunteers who have just finished a month of collar and welfare checks for the does in the Oak Bay Urban Deer Research Project.

Through the winter we sometimes hear from concerned community members about collars on does that appear too tight. We are very grateful for all reports and take all concerns very seriously however, as Dr. Hering explains, there are many situations when collars look concerning from a distance but once he is close, or is able to immobilize the doe, he is able to determine that the collars are not actually problematic.

Dr. Hering has kindly provided information and a video (to the right) on how collars fit and why they can appear to be too tight:

It can in fact be quite difficult to truly assess how tight a collar is until I have my hands on the doe and fingers under the collar. In the years we’ve been doing these collar checks I have elected to remove 3 collars due to concerns about how tight they looked. In all 3 cases, after having my hands on the animal I decided that the collar was unlikely to be causing any distress to them but I chose to remove the collars as I could see why, from a distance, they could appear concerning. One doe did have a bit of moisture dermatitis on her skin under the collar and so I was happy I took it off and am always more than happy to take off others or replace them with looser fitting collars if I am concerned. It’s always a balance between making it tight enough that it doesn’t get caught on things or get feet caught under it when they scratch their neck and ears with a hind hoof and making it loose enough to not cause distress.

When I fit collars I take neck circumference measurements. Having done this over multiple years, on animals of all ages and throughout the seasons, I have found that the neck circumference only varies by a few cm once a female Columbian Blacktail deer reaches physical maturity. That’s based on the ~250 black tail deer I have captured throughout the Oak Bay and Esquimalt immuno-contraception (IC) programs.

What happens is that the does thicker winter coat grows in and makes the collar look tighter than it is. It can also happen that the collar may get pushed down the neck a bit when walking through shrubs, to a spot on the neck where the neck circumference is slightly greater (their neck is conical in shape) and the directionality of the hair on their neck prevents it from sliding back up where it was originally installed. They can, however, scratch their neck with their hind hooves and can sometimes slide it up that way.

I also get notified by Oak Bay Public Works any time one of our marked does die. I check them all and do post mortem exams on most that die without obvious evidence of vehicular trauma. I have yet to see an animal with a collar that has given me true cause for concern that it was impacting their wellbeing but I’m always on the lookout for it. I hate the idea that something I’ve done could be causing undue distress to one of the deer.

Doe #30 was one doe that a community member expressed concern about a too tight collar. Despite our time in the field in March, we didn’t manage to locate her, likely because there’s been construction in the area she was first tagged which may have caused her to move on from that location. Doe #30 was first captured in September 2019, when she was given her first round of IC and fitted with a collar. I estimated her to be a mature deer of 3.5 years of age at the time, and I have given her 2 booster vaccines since then with the most recent one being in fall of 2021, and I was not concerned at those times that her collar was causing her any issues.

This season I’ve completed the allotted time (based on provincial permits) in the field looking at deer and evaluating for any with concerningly tight fitting collars. I did elect to take the collar off of #3 and replaced it with large white ear tags with the number 3 on them so that she can still be identified if seen on one of the wildlife cameras – this is important for the research. On this individual, after having my hands on her it was my opinion that her collar was not problematically tight but it had caused a bit of minor hair loss/chafing which I think is a bit inevitable with collars. But given the opportunity, I elected to remove it given the number of concerned messages we’ve gotten.

In all other instances, I felt comfortable with the collars I saw and didn’t feel that any of them justified repeated capture to verify that they were fitting ok, therefore no other captures were performed.

Here is a link to a video that I took of one of the animals who is wearing a GPS collar. The collar in the video is fit on her neck similarly to the rest of them however it looks less tight because the weight of the GPS has caused the collar to slide around a little bit resulting in some hair loss – therefore you can see how tight the collar actually is against her neck without the surrounding hair obscuring the view.

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to share your concerns – we follow up on every doe that is reported and we appreciate that the welfare of the deer is important to you as well as us!