Deer
are commonly seen at dusk and dawn, but may be
seen at any time of the day or night. They often
travel in threes - a doe and two fawns and naturally
gravitate to the roadsides
to graze. When you spot
a deer while driving, please stop: there are
sure to more close by.
Deer always appear when you least expect them to. Use caution at all times when driving Salt
Spring roads.
Particular care is needed during the fall rutting season which takes place from October to
December. At this time the male deer is more visible than usual,
and these bucks can be unpredictable regarding cars.
Dog
Owners:
If you bring your dog to Salt Spring:
Dogs are wonderful companions, but on our island uncontrolled dogs
kill dozens of sheep and untold numbers of deer each year. Please:
- Keep dogs under control at all times
(in voice-response
distance)
- Keep dog leashed in Provincial Parks
- Keep dog confined within an enclosure, or securely fastened.
What to do if you see a dog running deer or sheep?
Observe, record, and report to the Animal Control Officer 537-9414 or to the
R.CM.P. 537-5555
Salt
Spring Island Deer
Wild deer are commonplace on Salt Spring. The environment is
free of natural
predators and deer thrive on this lush and friendly
island.
They're
everywhere!
Visitors can expect to see deer snacking in the tall grass
at roadsides, or boldly stepping through the garden on the lookout
for the choicest greens. Don't be surprised to see them climb up
the stairs to the deck of your B&B, looking for a tasty planter of fresh
flowers to munch from.
Photo courtesy Jim
Rush
Photo
courtesy Jim Rush
Garden Variety Deer
Island fencing is proof to a thriving population of wild deer.
Though beautiful to view in their natural habitat, these lovely
beasts are not welcomed into local gardens. Any productive plot is
meticulously surrounded by an 8-foot fence in order to deter these
four-legged marauders. Many islanders plant a plot of
"deer munchies" outside the
"real" garden to help avert crop loss.
"Oh
. . . poor baby!"
Baby deer (fawn) found
alone in the woods should not be approached.
Photo
courtesy Jim Rush
Though they may
appear "lost" and alone, Mama is surely on her way. If
tampered with by humans, they may become disoriented and/or may
later be abandoned by the doe. It is best to leave the area.
Be
aware!
Our roads are full of curves and hills which can obstruct a driver's
vision.
A motorist cannot spot a deer ahead and should therefore maintain low speed at
all times.
Beware of deer standing near the roadside as they may bolt and change
direction at any time.
At night itıs best to drive with headlights full on. Even so, deer get
confused about what direction you are coming from, so if you see a deer,
slow down. If the deer remains near the road, dim your lights, stop and
turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
If a deer
"freezes" in your headlights, try turning them off and then
back on.
Be
careful of "followers": if you see one deer crossing the road, stop! You may be
sure there is another one, or more, right behind the first one.
... and never, never feed any kind of wildlife. Human food kills! ...
What should
you do if you hit a deer?
If the deer is still alive call Wildlife Centre - 537-0777
If you have a blanket in your car, cover the animal - but do not touch
it.
If the deer is dead call highways
department to remove it (JJM maintenance)
537-5722
Thanks to
island visitor Jim Rush for photos appearing on this page. Though Jim
and wife Tracy where only on Salt Spring for a few days, they found many
opportunities to photograph island deer. Photos above show only a fraction
of the wildlife they encountered.
Thousands served each month! In
April 2008 we helped 20,000+ people discover Salt Spring Island.
All text
& photos İ
Salt Spring Island Publishing except where cited.
Sponsored by Salt
Spring Island Publishing.
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the webmaster.
Updated 11 May 2008
