The imagery of deer is a positive and inspiring across cultures and religions, across our human history. For a detailed look at the history of the symbolism of deer, you can watch this lovely video on the subject.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Joyous Ramadan, or whatever holiday you observe at Yuletide. May the next year bring happiness and joy to you all.
The issue of urban wildlife management, as in the case of urban deer in Oak Bay, is an extremely divisive issue. Some residents are quite vocal in their desire to have all deer eradicated from within the municipalities that were built within the deer’s native habitat.
Yet other residents enjoy their interactions with wildlife and find the suggestions of eradication to be ridiculous.
The vast majority of residents likely fall in the middle—those that are not willing to speak up because they don’t feel strongly either way.
In 2016 Oak Bay administered a General Satisfaction Survey that included a question on deer. Of the 400 respondents, there was an approximately 50/50 split on culling deer, and of those that supported a cull, their response was based on the information that “a humane cull” was the only option available. Given that the method of culling deer involves trapping, bolt gunning and slitting the throat of deer, it is reasonable to think that of those that do support a lethal cull, would prefer a non-lethal method.
Also, keep in mind that based on the 2016 census there are 18,094 residents in Oak Bay. Those 400 survey respondents account for only 2.2% of the population of Oak Bay. So then we know that ~1% of the people love the deer, and ~1% hates the deer. The VAST majority didn’t respond because they didn’t feel strongly —that means the deer are not an issue for them. They either tolerate the deer or aren’t upset by them—but that means that these residents don’t feel any action needs to be taken to deal with the deer.
When you consider that 1) this middle-ground majority of residents either enjoy the urban wildlife as it currently is or 2) those residents vocal about conserving wildlife—even within municipal limits—that means that the MAJORITY of residents within Oak Bay would not like to see the deer eradicated from the landscape.
It is precisely because this majority of residents in greater Victoria prefer to coexist with urban wildlife that we are working with the municipalities of Oak Bay and Esquimalt to find humane, non-lethal and
We’re so sorry to hear about a recent incident in Oak Bay where a cyclist was knocked off her bicycle by a deer protecting his family group. There are many steps we can all take to reduce wildlife conflict in Oak Bay—and across all of Greater Victoria—including slowing down and keeping an eye out for deer when you’re out for a walk or cycling.
That’s one of the reasons why our research is so important. We want to help the municipalities of Greater Victoria find effective, long-term solutions to co-existing with wildlife right here within their native range. Stay tuned next week for more information.
Our friends at Watch For Wildlife (W4W) have a reminder for all of us now that it’s that time of year again. “That time of year” means rutting time when bucks are looking for romance. Mating season can cause deer to be bolder and less apprehensive of people. And since they’re a bit preoccupied looking for a lovely doe, they may cross roads more carelessly.
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, and as the days are getting shorter it means drivers are on the roads more often at this time. Coupled with an increased boldness of bucks during the rut, it’s important that drivers take a few steps to reduce the likelihood of collisions, including:
For more information and tips on how to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions, visit W4W at http://www.watchforwildlife.ca
We presented and update on our research to Oak Bay Council on Monday night. If you’d like to know how things are progressing, please watch the recording available from the District of Oak Bay website. Our presentation is the 5th item on the agenda, starting at approximately 13 minutes (you can access the slides by clicking on the Agenda on the right side of the screen).
Join us on Sunday, June 17 for a Father’s Day Garden Party Tour. All proceeds from the event will support the BC SPCA’s Wild ARC and the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS) for local wildlife care, wildlife research and veterinary services.
Silent Auction includes some fantastic products donated from this list of generous donors;
Oak Bay Bicycles
Oak Bay Recreation Center
Oaklands Veterinary Hospital
Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen
Padella Kitchen + Wine
The Parkside Spa
Penny Farthing Public House
Prestige Carwash & Auto Detailing
Red Hot Swing Dance
Royal & McPherson Theatre Society
Serious Coffee
Side Street Studio
Silk Road Tea
Stage Wine Bar
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Gin Distillery
Victoria Royals hockey team
Westcoasters BC
Western Speedway
Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre at Canor Nursery
Windsor Café
In person (cash only) ticket sales at:
