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 

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

1. Slow Down in Poor Weather: Reduced speed gives you more time to react if you see a deer.
2. Use Your High Beams When Possible: High beams can help you spot deer sooner, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.
3. Stay Extra Vigilant Near Treed Areas: These are common deer habitats, and deer often gather near roadsides for easier travel.
4. Watch for Groups: Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, more are likely nearby.
5. 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.