Following the last deer survey in 2018, the Town assembled an Urban Deer Task Force (UDTF) in 2019 to review known issues and recommend policy and best practices to create a balance between urban deer and residents. The Town has set in motion several of the short-term recommendations brought forward from the UDTF in their final report from May 2021, and is now seeking additional feedback from residents to gauge their success.
“With deer being a part of the biodiversity landscape in Okotoks, the Town and residents need to continue working together to adopt strategies to discourage deer from damaging yards and displaying aggression in our community,” says Christa Michailuck, Parks and Recreation Director. “By being unified in our behaviours and actions towards deer deterrent strategies, interactions with urban deer may reach tolerable levels.”
Residents have the opportunity to help guide future decisions on deer deterrent strategies by taking the 2023 urban deer survey. The Town is asking for input on both current and future approaches to reducing deer conflict in Okotoks. The survey will remain open until February 19, 2023.
To learn more about urban deer in Okotoks and take the survey, visit okotoks.ca/have-your-say