Living With Deer Neighbors
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned deer, learn what to do here!
White-Tailed Deer are an iconic species in Pennsylvania. Seen in both rural and urban environments, deer can cause a variety of conflicts. It is important to coexist with these crucial members of Penn’s Woods as they navigate the human world.
What Do I Do if There Is a Fawn On My Property? Is It Okay? Where’s Mom?
Until a fawn (baby deer) is three weeks old, it’s unable to outrun a predator. To avoid attracting predators and putting her young at risk, a mother deer will leave her fawn in various places. The fawn will stay curled up on the ground while mom grazes. The mother will visit the fawn occasionally to feed but will often not approach if there is a perceived threat like human or pet activity. Unless a fawn is crying out, thin, injured or sick, leave it alone. If a fawn is on your property, it means mom thought it was a safe place!
If the fawn is wandering or pacing near a fence, it’s possible that the mother hopped a barrier too tall for the fawn. In these cases, lift the fawn over the fence.
How Can I Help Relocate a Deer Seen in an Unsafe Area?
White-Tailed Deer are generalists and can find almost anywhere to graze. This means that they show up in a number of places where it seems like they shouldn’t be — neighborhoods, roadsides or industrial areas. If the deer is healthy and has no injuries, you can leave it alone. It’s normal for them to be there! Attempting to relocate a deer can cause stress and injury for both deer and people. Plus, relocated deer usually return to the area where they were removed from anyway.
If a deer is trapped somewhere inside fencing, simply give the deer an escape route. Open a gate or give the deer space. Deer are able to jump fences up to 8 feet tall but will avoid doing so when stressed or panicked. Allow the deer to exit on its own and undisturbed, but contact a rehabilitator if the deer remains in the same space overnight.
How Can I Prevent Deer From Eating My Plants?
Some types of fencing can be effective in preventing deer from browsing your garden, but deer can jump fences up to 8 feet tall. The most effective, but also the most permanent barrier for deer, is an 8 foot woven wire fence. You can also use electric fences as a psychological barrier to deter deer. You can bait the electric fence so that when deer touch it, they receive a shock and know to avoid the fence and the area within it.
Sensory repellents can be used on their own or in tandem with barriers to prevent deer from eating your crop. Odors like rotten eggs, meat, hot peppers or peppermint can cause discomfort for deer. Scare devices can also work.
The Humane Society has more in-depth information about repelling deer from your garden here.
Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!
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Resources
Deer in the Garden. The Humane Society of the United States
Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre