What To Do If You Live In Deer Country

These wild animals are frequent visitors to Lakewood and other neighborhoods of the urban Front Range. They are also at home in the more natural habitat of Lakewood's Bear Creek Lake Park and William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain.

> If you see a deer-crossing sign, slow down and drive cautiously for the length of the crossing - especially at night. Remember, if you see one deer on the road, at least one more may be nearby.

> When deer appear in or around the city, it's usually best to leave them alone. In most situations, they will move to new areas. Deer and other large animals are usually injured or killed when people try to capture them in developed areas. In fact; tranquilizing deer, elk and other large animals is done only as a last resort.

> In areas where deer are common, shrub and tree damage may be a problem. Commercial deer repellents or mixtures containing eggs have proven successful in warding off deer. However, these solutions may need to be reapplied after rain or snow. You can also keep deer from eating flowers and shrubs by putting wire cylinders and fences around the plants.

> Contact your local CSU Cooperative Extension office to learn what plants deer avoid. Also, consider planting native flowers and shrubs.

> It is illegal to feed deer in Colorado. People may be fined $50 for doing so.

> During the spring and summer, people often encounter young animals in urban areas, the mountains and the plains. In all cases, the rule of thumb is: LEAVE THEM ALONE! Deer, elk and other mammals often leave their young while feeding, relying on the young animal's natural camouflage to protect them. Don't assume that just because you don't see the parents, the young have been abandoned.

> There are very few cases of "abandoned" wildlife. If you are absolutely certain the parent animal is dead (hit by a car, for example), mark the location on a map or measure the mileage from a landmark and report it to the Division of Wildlife.

- Information provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife

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