Deer are fawning now and can be very protective of their young. The Town has received increased reports of protective deer in neighbourhoods and green spaces around Okotoks. While spotted fawns may be adorable, their mothers are usually nearby, and will protect them if they feel threatened.
While using trails, pathways and open spaces this summer, please stay alert and help keep people, pets and wildlife safe:
- Give deer plenty of space
- Keep dogs on leash
- Never place yourself between a doe and her fawn(s)
If you find a fawn on its own, please do not disturb it. To help keep her young safe, a doe may leave her fawn in a secluded area, often for as long as 12 hours, while she forages for food or draws predators away. Fawns are well camouflaged and stay very still to avoid detection. This is normal, healthy behaviour, and the fawn is usually not injured or abandoned.
If you encounter an aggressive deer, report it to Report-A-Poacher at 1-800-642-3800. If you're in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Learn more about living safely alongside wildlife at okotoks.ca/wildlife.