Pet Owners Urged to Watch Pets Carefully, Do Not Feed Deer During Rut

Description: Two Bucks Locked in Battle During Rut... Photo Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife...

Pet Owners Urged to Watch Pets Carefully, Do Not Feed Deer During Rut

DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging residents to be cautious and keep pets leashed around deer while they are in rut, or mating season, as they may become aggressive. In the past few weeks, several attacks involving deer and dogs have been reported to CPW across the Front Range. Pet owners should carefully watch their pets even while in backyards as some attacks have occurred in neighborhoods found in deer habitat. Before letting pets loose into yards, turn on lights and make loud noises to ensure wildlife leave the area.

CPW has also received reports of residents intentionally feeding deer, which is illegal and especially dangerous during the rut when they can act more aggressively. Feeding deer habituates wildlife, harms their digestive systems and can contribute to the spread of disease.

“Wildlife are able to find food on their own during winter,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Matt Martinez. “They do not need our help. If you’re feeding deer, you are bringing a wild and potentially dangerous animal into close contact with yourself and pets. You’re not only jeopardizing your own safety, but you’re also putting your neighbors at risk.”

During the rut, bucks persistently pursue does to mate. They can view any animal, like pets, as a threat to their chance for reproduction and are known to attack perceived threats.
 
Deer are a main staple in the diet of many predators in Colorado. During winter months, deer and elk travel to lower elevations with better food resources, and carnivores will follow them.
 
“If you have deer in your yard, close to your home, you can expect mountain lions and bears to be there too,” said Martinez. “Hazing deer from the area by making loud noises or using lights to encourage wildlife to move to wilder spaces can reduce risk.”
  
Feeding deer unintentionally is also harmful. Any fruit which falls from trees should be picked up to avoid attracting wildlife. Bird feeders placed too low to the ground can be a food source for deer and bears. Residents with reports of wildlife feeding or to ask more questions can contact their local CPW office.
 
CPW recommends:

• Give deer at least 100 feet of space when viewing.

• Keep dogs on a leash.

• On walks, with or without your dog, stay as far away from deer as possible.

• Don’t allow dogs to roam free.

• Check your yard before letting your dog outside.

• Never let your dog chase deer or other wildlife.

• Never leave food outside that could attract wildlife.

• Tell children not to approach deer or any other wildlife

(Photo by Ken Curtis)

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