Alerts

Urban Deer

Although deer aren’t considered dangerous, they can act aggressively to protect themselves or their fawns, and may see people and dogs as a threat. At this time, there are no plans to control deer populations in Okotoks. Deer are part of the biodiversity landscape in Okotoks too, but residents are strongly encouraged to adopt strategies to discourage deer from eating and inhabiting their yards. If residents are willing to be unified in their behaviours and actions towards deer deterrent strategies, the urban deer population can remain at tolerable levels.

Deer & Wildlife Feeding and Attractants Bylaw
At the regular meeting July 19, 2021, Town Council approved the Deer and Wildlife Feeding and Attractants Bylaw (28-21) to regulate the intentional and unintentional feeding of deer and other wildlife on private property. Read the news release for more info; review the bylaw by clicking the button below.

Deer and Wildlife Bylaw

Deer Encounters

Deer Deterrent Fencing

On June 12, 2023, Council amended the Land Use Bylaw to allow an increase in height for residential fences in the rear and side yards. The amendments provide a permanent replacement for the Deer Deterrent Fencing Pilot Project, which was introduced in April 2021 to allow for temporary extensions to chain-link fences abutting open space. Temporary extensions will continue to be permitted, provided they conform to the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw.

Gardening with Deer

Learn how to cultivate a beautiful yard and garden while not increasing deer attraction. The online course provides deer-resistant plant options and deer-deterrent strategies to prevent deer damage. It also covers what the Town has been implementing to assist residents in learning how to successfully live with urban deer.

Gardening with Deer webinar

Last Updated: June 13, 2023