Colorado is home to both mule deer and white tailed deer.  They typically make their homes in rural areas, but are more commonly being found in the suburbs. While many people love having deer around their homes, to others they are unwelcome visitors. Thankfully deer are some of the easiest neighbors to get along with.

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Concern #1 - Deer Eating Gardens 

Resolutions: The simplest way to prevent deer in the garden is erecting game fencing around the area. Game fencing is usually 6-8 feet high, light weight, and easy to find at many feed stores and online. This works best for designated gardens. Be aware that a deer that is spooked by something or running quickly can jump a 6 foot fence.  If deer are eating decorative plants and you are unable to put up a fence up to prevent them from accessing the area then consider planting flowers that deer tend to find unappetizing. Tips can be found below under external resources.

 

Concern #2 -  Aggressive Behavior

Resolutions: When deer and other wildlife become habituated to people they can become aggressive.  They may kick, stomp, or even chase people, especially when fawns are in the area. During the fall, male deer, called bucks, enter what is called the rut. They are testosterone fueled and can show increased aggression.  By keeping yourself about 75 feet away from deer when possible you reduce the risk of having an aggressive deer approach you. Keep dogs on leash as deer will see them as a predator and might attack them, especially in the spring time when they have fawns. Do not feed deer. Feeding deer is not only illegal and harmful to the deer, but it can habituate them to people and result in aggressive behavior. 

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Concern #3 - Vehicle Collisions

Resolutions: Avoiding a collision with a deer is not always possible. While the Colorado Department of Transportation in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife has made tremendous strides in reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife along major highways, neighborhoods can still struggle with them. Deer are especially common in neighborhoods that are close to parks and open spaces. They are most active at dawn and dusk so be vigilant while driving during these times. If you do collide with a deer and it is injured contact your local sheriff department. 

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Concern #4 - Deer Fawns Found Alone

Resolutions: Typically deer will leave their fawns alone for twelve hours a day. The adults are not usually far away, allowing them to rush in to protect a fawn that is in distress. Unfortunately because of human nature, we often see lone deer fawns and assume they have been abandoned because it is against our own instincts to leave our children alone for long periods of time. In the spring time fawns are often found under bushes and decks. It is best to just leave them alone and keep pets (and people) away from them. If the mother is known to be deceased, the fawn is actively making distress calls, appears to be injured, or has curled ear tips this is when you will want to contact a wildlife rehabber or Colorado Parks and Wildlife. You can find more information on our "Found an Animal" page. 

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