Deer in Camrose

The City of Camrose has now implemented a "Prohibition on Feeding Deer" Bylaw. Please read more information about this Bylaw below.

The City of Camrose recognizes that deer are a natural part of our area but that they can also be a nuisance to our residents. And although deer aren’t considered dangerous, they can act aggressively to protect themselves or their fawns and may see people and dogs as a threat.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife have advised the City of Camrose that the best way to prevent an overabundance of deer is to educate citizens on what they can do to avoid attracting and encouraging deer to make Camrose their home. Residents are strongly encouraged to follow the steps below to avoid attracting deer, avoid conflicts with the deer, and educate themselves and their families on interactions with deer.

What Can I Do if I Experience an Aggressive Deer?

If you experience an aggressive deer incident, defined as “deer chasing, or kicking, at a person or pet resulting in damage or injury,” you should contact Camrose Police Service at 780.672.4444.

Who Do I Call to Report an Injured/Dead Deer?

To report an injured deer, call Camrose Police Service at 780.672.4444 and be able to describe the location of the injured animal.

To report a dead deer, call our Public Works department at 780.672.5513 and be able to describe the location of the dead animal.

How to Avoid Deer Conflict

The most important advice to remember is to give deer their space. Deer are wild animals and may act aggressively if they feel threatened.

Use the following tips to reduce the possibility of an aggressive deer encounter.

• Give deer as much room as possible – this may involve crossing to the other side of the street or moving off the pathway system in a park to take a wider route around deer. If you can’t safely go around deer, back off and wait for the deer to move on.
• Don’t chase deer. Urban deer are very used to people and may not run off leaving you too close to an unafraid deer. Deer that do run off may run into traffic and cause an accident.
• Female deer (Does) can be aggressive during their fawning season from May through June each year. Mule deer bucks (males) can be aggressive during the rut (breeding season) from November through December. If your presence creates a response from a deer, like a change in their stance, ear position or physical movement, you are too close. Give the deer plenty of space – 15 to 20 metres – to either move or exit the area. Do not move closer to the deer.
• Never feed deer. Feeding deer can help deer associate people with food and they can act aggressively when hungry. Feeding deer may also make them reliant on unnatural food sources, which poses challenges in colder months when food sources are less abundant, thereby possibly increasing deer aggression. An aggressive deer may have to be euthanized by wildlife authorities.
• Keep dogs on leash. Dogs at large will often chase or scare deer which may cause the deer to run into traffic or create deer aggression. If a deer approaches a dog on leash, back away and seek an alternate route.
• Safety in numbers. Walk with others when possible.

How to Deter Deer from Your Property

• Spray them with your garden hose
• Remove attractants such as crab apples, Halloween pumpkins, bird seed, etc.
• Use scare tactics such as mobile yard ornaments or scarecrows
• Try chemical deterrents such as blood meal or Plant Skydd
• Plant inedible garden plant species (e.g. non-fruit bearing trees) 
• If deer sleep in your yard, randomly place objects that disrupt sleeping areas, such as patio furniture
• Don’t let your dog out to chase deer out of your yard as this may encourage an act of deer aggression

"Prohibition on Feeding Deer" Bylaw

The City of Camrose will be implementing a “Prohibition on Feeding Deer Bylaw” effective May 18, 2021. This Bylaw has been put in place to stop residents from actively feeding deer as a way to lessen interactions with these wild animals.

Fines for Feeding Deer:

• First Offense - $75.00
• Second Offense - $150.00
• Subsequent Offenses - $300.00

If you see someone deliberately laying out food to attract deer, please contact the Camrose Police Service at 780.672.4444.

Sources:

• Town of Okotoks (special thanks to the Town of Okotoks for much of the information provided on this page)
• Government of Alberta
• City of Penticton