The City of Cranbrook is urging residents to use common sense and caution when dealing with urban deer, as the 2013 fawning season begins to wind down.
Mayor Wayne Stetski said that late May through to the end of June is normally the time does give birth to their fawns.
"Fawns born early in the season are now becoming more active and does are being much more wary of their surroundings and are alert for potential threats," Stetski said. "Please don't approach deer or their fawns. Give the deer plenty of space to move or to leave the area; don't walk closer, choose another route. Be sure to walk your dog on a leash and be ready to let go if a deer threatens."
The City is just now starting to get complaints of aggressive deer.
"In 2012, over 90 per cent of the aggression complaints the City received came from people out walking their dogs," said Chris Zettel, the City's corporate communications officer. "It is too early to tell if we'll see the same results for 2013. We are just asking you to please be careful and to report any deer aggression."
Both the City and the provincial Conservation Officer Service keep track of these instances of aggression. To report an incident to the Conservation Officer Service, please call 1-877-952-7277. To report an incident to the City of Cranbrook, please call 250-426-4211 or email urbandeer@cranbrook.ca.
The City also has an information brochure, "Living with Urban Deer", which is available for pick up at city hall or online at www.cranbrook.ca.