Update On Oak Bay’s IC Research Project
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...
Baby, it’s cold (and wet) outside
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...
The Timeless Symbolism of Deer: Myth, Nature, and Harmony
Deer have long been symbols of beauty and spiritual connection. Across cultures, these creatures represent balance, intuition, and even messages from other realms. Curious about the stories and myths surrounding deer? Dive into their rich cultural significance here
Embracing the Rut: A Time of Change in Nature
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...
The connection between freshwater mammals and urban deer
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...
Falling into the rut
by Jen BlytheIt’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...
Cats on the prowl
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...
Abnormal antler growth
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...
Are those collars too tight?
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...
Black-tailed deer about town
Are you interested in the latest results of the Oak Bay Deer project? Lead researcher Dr. Jason T. Fisher and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Adam Hering recently presented the results of the project to the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control. You can view...
Love is in the Air: Hormones drive bachelor bucks to distraction
Buck behaviour during rutting season can seem unusual, but they’re really just single-minded as they follow the scent toward a doe. Jen Blyth / Black Press Media photo (article and photo reproduced with permission)You’re likely accustomed to seeing does strolling the...
Farewell to long-time supporter Marion Cumming
It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Marion Cumming. Marion was one of the founding members of the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society, creating our logo, providing us with artwork that many of you have seen on our cards, and always encouraging and...