Slow Down and Watch for Fawns!

Slow Down and Watch for Fawns!

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!

Drive Carefully, it’s Fawn Season!

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!

Deer Plan Oak Bay Campaign Launched

Deer Plan Oak Bay Campaign Launched

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The Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS) has launched a campaign to raise funds needed for a science-based urban deer stewardship program planned to start this Fall.

The Oak Bay group will be funded by community donors and aims to demonstrate that non-lethal methods to reduce the population of deer in Greater Victoria are more effective and less costly than killing animals. The scientific activities of the UWSS will be guided by a Scientific Advisory Group. UWSS has received statements of support from various organizations.

Campaign launch materials