Update on black-tailed deer in Jan Park

(previous title was altered since black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer found in the Pacific Northwest)

Greetings all,

I am working to make contact with the correct agencies and make sure that we are doing everything we can to help the female deer currently residing in Jan Park, however the current information we are receiving is that unless the deer is showing aggression towards humans or pets, or is causing structural damage to property, California Fish and Wildlife will not relocate the animal due to the potential stress on the animal.

To this end, it's extremely important that we educate everyone in our area in how best to handle living peacefully with a wild animal.

First and foremost, it is extremely important to never engage or approach a wild animal, or allow your pets to do so by allowing them off leash. Close proximity puts you, your loved ones, and the animal in significant danger, and is illegal according to fish and game code Div 4. 3960. It also illegal in the state of California to feed mule deer, so please do not under any circumstances try to feed this animal, even in a passive manner. 

The following information is from the CAFWS website http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/deer.html:

When you attract deer to your property, you may also be attracting mountain lions. More than half of California is considered deer habitat. And where there are deer, there are mountain lions. That’s because deer are the mountain lion’s primary prey. Allowing deer access to your garden and landscaping, or intentionally feeding deer, can be deadly. Wild animals naturally fear people, keep a distance, and will not bother you, so long as they remain truly wild. But if they become accustomed to humans, their natural ways are ruined. Their normal wildlife and fear of humans is lost. That’s when conflict occur. Never intentionally feed deer. Landscape with deer-resistant plants. Enclose gardens with eight-foot fencing or use deer-proof fencing. Pick up fallen tree fruit. Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house and garden. Consider using commercially prepared deer repellents (available at garden supply stores.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are doing our best to make sure the Carmichael Recreation and Park District are aware of the deer's presence, and to continue to report to the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife any changes in the deer's location or behavior, so please report any unusual behavior by the animal to California Fish and Wildlife Service Northern Central Region  Main Office    1701 Nimbus Road    Rancho Cordova, CA 95670    (916) 358-2900    FAX: (916) 358-2912 Sales Hours    8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    Monday - Friday Email the North Central Region Regional Manager: Tina Bartlett Please be safe and spread the word. Wild animals should be left wild!