The BC provincial government will match funding for urban deer population management projects for municipalities and First Nations communities over the next year.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource will be providing up to $100,000 in funding for local governments who pitch deer population control project ideas.
See also: Aggressive deer in Victoria pose possible threat to dog walkers
Authorities involved in operational or research projects for urban deer population control are asked to submit their funding applications on or before October 30th, 2019.
Funding decisions are expected to be made in November. The province is looking to fund projects that:
address human-deer conflict in areas where traditional deer management techniques are not appropriate;
- are consistent with objectives that have been developed through a community-based planning process;
- have a resolution of support from the local government’s council or board or Indian Band’s/First Nation’s Chief and Council;
- are compliant with all applicable laws and bylaws and adequately manage all human safety, environmental and animal welfare risks;
- are in accordance with a permit issued under the Wildlife Act, or any other statute;
- are technically sound, feasible and commit to reporting;
- are scientifically rigorous, if a research project; and
- provide matching funds (e.g., from the local government, First Nation or any partners).
According to the ministry, there are about 135,000 mule deer, 128,000 black-tail deer and over 100,000 white-tail deer in B.C.
Earlier this year, the municipality of Oak Bay announced that their new immuno-contraceptive treatment (IC) program to control deer populations in the area will take place this fall.
See also:
- Oak Bay to launch new deer contraceptive program in September
- Oak Bay resident attacked by a herd of deer
“Immuno-contraception (IC) is a type of vaccine that induces the animal to produce antibodies that prevent fertilization and the formation of an embryo,” explains the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS), who will be leading the program.
Concerns about deer populations are not limited to Oak Bay, however.
Last month, a Victoria Reddit user with the handle u/essjuango took to the website to warn locals of aggressive deer in the Fernwood area after being chased by an aggressive mother deer while walking his dog.
Deer are believed to be more protective when they’re around their young, which has led to multiple attacks on the island in the past.
