Residents in Victoria are being urged to use caution around deer as conservation officers report an increase in aggressive encounters during the spring fawning season. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said they have received multiple reports from locals about deer aggressively trying to protect their young. Officers say deer may bluff, charge, follow people or react aggressively toward dogs they perceive as predators. “There have been no reports of injuries,” the service said in a social media advisory, but officers are encouraging the public to
take precautions while outdoors. Officials recommend keeping dogs on leashes, avoiding contact with fawns and giving deer plenty of space. Residents are also being reminded to stay alert in parks, trails and residential neighbourhoods where deer are commonly seen. “If you see a fawn, leave the area as the doe is likely nearby” said the service. The warning follows several incidents involving aggressive deer across Greater Victoria. In October 2024, Oak Bay police issued a public warning after a deer fatally injured a dog in
the yard of a home on Newport Avenue. Police said a buck speared the 15-year-old Husky-Shepherd cross with its antlers after the dog approached the animal while it was feeding on vegetation. The dog later had to be euthanized because of its injuries. The Conservation Officer Service said small dogs are especially vulnerable because deer may interpret them as threats to their fawns. Residents are advised never to approach deer or attempt to interact with wildlife. Aggressive deer incidents can be reported through the Report
All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277. Residents can visit WildSafeBC for more info.
BCCOS, Victoria, deer encounters, spring fawning season, aggressive deer, Oak Bay, Newport Avenue, dog attack, dog on leash, WildSafeBC, Report All Poachers and Polluters, 1-877-952-7277
Deer be crazy this year. I swear spring makes em mean.
So they’re saying don’t approach the fawns, but what about like… the deer approaching us?? That feels backwards. Also why are people letting dogs run around off leash in parks anyway.
Wait the article says no injuries but also that a dog got euthanized in Oak Bay? I’m confused. Like if there were no injuries, then what was that October thing… unless that was “not injuries” lol. Either way deer should be left alone and keep the dogs close I guess.
Every time I hear “fawning season” I think it’s basically animals losing their minds. I saw one in my neighborhood and it didn’t charge, but my friend says it stared her down like 10 minutes. Are they really gonna “follow people” too?? Also the phone number thing is kinda random, like who even has that memorized. I just try to walk fast and hope the doe is chill.