It's fawning season, and with it comes a reminder to Cochrane residents to be cautious around deer and other wildlife sheltering their newborns in brush and natural woodland areas in and around the community.
With Cochrane’s robust urban deer population, residents are urged to keep their distance and most importantly, leash their dogs.
Hendrik Bösch of Wildlife Coexistence Cochrane is helping spread the message after being contacted by Fish and Wildlife officials in response to increased deer activity in Riverside, along Quigley Drive, and in Glenbow.
“Keep your distance because you never know where they might have hidden their fawns in the high grass or bush,” said Bösch. “The does are very protective right now.”
In response to his Facebook alert posted last night, Bösch said a woman told of how she was recently charged by a doe in East Cochrane.
“She got chased by a deer yesterday, and a neighbour had to come out after she was yelling for help and had to chase away the deer,” he said.
Recognizing it's not always possible, he recommends keeping at least 50 metres away from deer.
Fawning season is a critical time when deer give birth and their fawns begin to explore. During this period, does will leave their fawns in secluded areas to keep them safe while they forage.
Bösch warns that letting dogs run off-leash, even if it seems harmless, can lead to dangerous encounters.
“If your dog chases something, it might turn the tables and say, ‘I’ve had enough, I’m standing my ground now,’ and then chase after your dog,” he explained. “Then your dog gets scared, runs back to you, and suddenly you’ve got your dog coming at you—followed by an angry deer, elk or moose. So it’s really, really important. It’s about your pet’s safety and your safety, too.”
Bösch says people shouldn’t hesitate to contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife through the Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800 if they witness aggressive wildlife or have safety concerns.
“There’s a common misconception that calling in means the deer will be shot,” he said. “They won’t shoot deer, but they want to know so they can monitor an area if necessary. So people shouldn’t hesitate to report it.”
Recognizing it's not always possible, he recommends keeping at least 50 metres away.
To reduce the risk of negative wildlife interactions in urban areas, Fish and Wildlife and other wildlife experts recommend the following:
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Never feed wildlife. Human food prevents wildlife from learning to forage naturally and teaches them to associate people with food, leading to unsafe situations.
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Never approach wildlife. It stresses animals and increases the risk of them becoming habituated to humans.
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Keep your dog on a leash. Even well-trained dogs may chase or bark at wildlife, potentially causing harm or triggering defensive attacks.
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Keep your cats indoors. Outdoor cats are easy prey for coyotes and foxes and also contribute to songbird mortality.
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Secure your garbage. Use containers with tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting wildlife looking for an easy meal.
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Remove attractants. Keep your yard clean of garbage, pet food, fallen fruit and berries. Seal off shelter spots like under decks and patios with durable wire mesh.
Parents are also encouraged to teach their children how to respect wildlife and make safe decisions—such as never feeding or approaching animals, disposing of trash properly, and keeping pets supervised.