Dear Editor,
Love the deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds and beauty of nature living in Okotoks.
We’ve lived here for over 10 years and have never had a problem with the deer. It’s all about living in harmony and using common sense, I guess.
All these “critters“ were here before everyone built and moved here, and construction is ongoing as Okotoks has become a very desirable community to live in.
So a few facts to remember to achieve this harmony with the wildlife: In spring, when fawning season begins, give the doe a wide berth and steer clear of her and her babies for a while; during mating season, late October to end of November, be cautious as well.
And before letting your dog out into your yard, just check to see if you have an extra guest sleeping in your yard first. (This is also helpful as we had a skunk that visited briefly in the summer and had we not checked the yard first this would have been a totally different outcome.)
If you do find a deer in your yard, then don’t release your dog, take it out to the front of your house or you go out first and the deer will jump over the fence and then let your dog out.
Just another step to your routine, like locking your house at night. A little common sense and the results make us feel more one with nature and the beauty that surrounds us.
We are blessed to live in a place of beauty, especially with the turmoil of world today.
We also can learn from Indigenous culture and that is to be in harmony with nature.
Love this quote: “They have been here since time immemorial.”
Kimberley Statham
Okotoks