The Town of Okotoks has launched an online survey to get public feedback on the best ways to deal with deer.
The 10-question survey launched Feb. 6 seeks input on current and future approaches to reduce deer conflict as Town council looks to make decisions on deer deterrent strategies.
“With deer being a part of the biodiversity landscape in Okotoks, the Town and residents need to work together to adopt strategies to discourage deer from eating and inhabiting yards in our community,” states the Town’s website. “By being unified in our behaviours and actions toward deer deterrent strategies, the urban deer population can remain at tolerable levels.”
Issued covered in the survey range from damage to private property and personal safety concerns to deterrent strategies and feeding attractants.
One question asks about fences as the Town is reviewing options to allow different styles or heights of permanent fences along properties that back onto or border open spaces.
Another question asks members of the public if they would be in favour of a deer aversion program being considered in future years if short-term measures lack effectiveness in reducing deer conflict.
A query regarding your overall impression of deer in Okotoks offers choices from “We need to share urban space with local wildlife” to “I think there are too many deer and some form of management action is required.”
The Town says since the last deer survey in 2018, it assembled an Urban Deer Task Force that brought forward short-term recommendations in its final report in 2021, several of which have been implemented.
The Town is currently looking into implementing long-term recommendations, which include a deer deterrent fencing policy and a deer aversion control program.
The Town will publish a ‘What We Heard Report’ this spring after tabulating survey results.
To take the survey, visit https://www.okotoks.ca/your-community/living-okotoks/have-your-say.
