Deer find shelter in Medicine Hat as spring arrives

Apr 16, 2024 | 6:39 PM

The number of deer in Medicine Hat is growing as spring arrives.

It’s common to see the deer travelling in a herd with a buck more likely to travel alone than a doe.

Rhys Mah Poy, a park interpreter with the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program, said the deer continue to get more acclimated to people, becoming more comfortable adjusting to an urban setting.

READ: What to do if you have a collision with a deer

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Medicine Hat is desirable location for the deer with the river valley giving access to water, shelter and food and limited noise pollution.

Mah Poy said does are also starting to give birth to their fawns at this time of the year.

“Most animals do like to have a little bit more shelter,” Mah Poy said.

We’ll see deer more in the city, especially in the park as well, as they’re coming to have their babies so they have more protection. They don’t generally give birth up on the prairies and grasslands,” Mah Poy added.

“It’s more common to see higher numbers during the springtime, especially when the does are coming in.”

Mah Poy said if you do come across a deer, do not try to approach them and make sure to give them space and avoid feeding them. Does can be very protective of their fawns.

by Jesse Gill

Deer find shelter in Medicine Hat as spring arrives

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