Esquimalt has undertaken several steps in order to gain a better understanding of the numbers of indigenous deer within its borders, and the trends, issues and potential strategies for deer reduction, if necessary.
Research project
The township is working with the Province of B.C. and the University of Victoria on an Urban Deer Research Project. As part of this project, researchers are darting deer and administering immuno-contraceptive (IC) vaccination as a non-lethal deer population management strategy.
2024 update
Dr. Fisher, in consultation and collaboration with the Township, has secured additional federal grant funding from NSERC which will allow the Deer Study to continue until March 31, 2025.
The cameras continue to sample deer relative abundance and fawn occurrence across the Township and DND lands. Dr. Fisher is close to having completed density estimates for the years sampled to date. A Master of Science student is working on fawning rate estimates before and after immunocontraception treatment. The project team is working with Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society to link together Oak Bay’s Deer project results with Esquimalt’s, to look for similarities or differences in responses. The project is on track to provide early conclusions by end 2024.
Community Survey
As part of its Deer Management Plan the Township completed a community survey to identify where the deer are, attitudes towards them, and the location of any human-deer conflicts such as gardening and vehicle-deer accidents. The independent survey was delivered to 1,100 Esquimalt households in October 2016, with a 47 per cent response rate.
Deer Count
Establishing a multi-year, scientifically developed deer count is a critical part of the plan. The first count in Esquimalt was conducted in fall 2017, the second will occur in fall 2018, and the third was completed in fall 2019. By doing three scientifically valid counts, Esquimalt will establish an accurate estimate of the size of its indigenous deer population and will be able to determine whether the number is stable, increasing, or decreasing. Should a deer reduction strategy be implemented, annual deer counts would be essential in determining the efficacy of that strategy.
- Report: Population Estimate Survey of The Columbian Black-tailed Deer in Esquimalt, BC (2017-2019)
- 2017 Deer Count
Public Awareness
Urban deer management can be controversial, but as communities are learning more about indigenous deer, we are also learning how to co-exist. When driving in areas of Esquimalt and other municipalities, it’s important to slow down where you know deer are likely to be present. During fawning and rutting season, it’s important to understand the behaviour of deer and adjust your own accordingly, particularly if you are walking your dog. If you’re concerned about deer that deer frequent your garden, there are a number of gardening and fencing strategies that can help.
For more information on urban deer, contact the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society.