Dear me: Deer everywhere! These graceful grazers, masters of camouflage, and known for notoriously dashing across the road directly in front of your car! These hoofed herbivores are a familiar sight across most of North America, in backyards, forests, fields, and everywhere in between.

Deer by the Numbers: Widespread and Wonderful

There are over 300 species of deer worldwide!! North America is home to six of these species; well maybe, but that really depends on how you define a deer. But for us at Prickly Pear, we count these six natives:

Whitetail Deer
Blacktail Deer
Mule Deer
Elk
Caribou (aka Reindeer)
Pronghorn

However, down here in Texas, we have had a long history of exotics and have had several varieties of deer introduced to our great state other the years with several species thriving with herds moving in the wild such as the antelope that you may see out in west Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife does a great job of tracking and advising the best ways to manage our deer population.

In the United States alone, there are an estimated 30 million deer, with the most common being whitetail. These adaptable creatures thrive in a variety of habitats, from lush forests and rolling meadows to suburban backyards and even city parks.

Deer are primarily active at dawn and dusk which makes them crepuscular animals. This twilight activity allows them to avoid predators while still having enough light to forage for food. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, twigs, fruits, and nuts. Deer aren’t picky eaters, they’ll also munch on flowers, mushrooms, and even crops if given the chance. In fact deer are frequently found in corn fields and corn is often used as a food source for deer in feeders on hunting land.

Signs You’ve Got Deer in Your Neighborhood

If you live in an area with deer (which means to say… if you live anywhere in central Texas), you might find some unwelcome evidence of their presence. Here are a few telltale signs:

Munched Vegetation: Deer love to snack on ornamental plants and gardens. If your carefully curated landscaping is looking a bit nibbled-on, it might be the work of a hungry deer.
Hoof Prints: These distinctive tracks with separated toes are a clear giveaway that deer are roaming your property.
Scat About: Deer droppings are small, round pellets, often scattered in groups. While not pleasant to find, they are a sure sign that deer are frequent visitors.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub: Males (bucks) rub their antlers on trees to remove velvet during the summer and mark their territory. You might find patches of scraped bark or even small saplings stripped bare.

Bumping Up the Birth Rate: Deer Breeding Season

Deer breeding season, also known as the rut, occurs in the fall, from October to December. During this time, bucks (males) become more active and aggressive, competing for the attention of does (females). They may engage in sparring matches, using their antlers to lock horns and establish dominance. This show of dominance can be heard for miles as antlers rattle when the bucks smash together. This violent show can result in injuries to the buck, broken antlers, and occasionally the bucks becoming locked together as their antlers become stuck together.

Does usually give birth to one or two fawns in the spring. These spotted youngsters are incredibly well-camouflaged, allowing them to stay hidden from predators while their mothers forage for food. These fawns remain still and quiet when left by mom resulting in opportunities for hikers, gardeners, and other nature lovers to walk up on them. While it is human reaction to see this baby and think it needs our help, we need to just leave the fawn alone as the mom will return soon.

The Role of Deer in the Ecosystem

While deer can sometimes be a nuisance to property owners, they play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. Here’s how:

Seed Dispersal: Deer eat a variety of fruits and berries. As they move through their habitat, they disperse the seeds from these plants through their droppings, helping to regenerate forests and maintain plant diversity.
Browsing Bud Eaters: Deer graze on leaves and twigs, keeping plant growth in check and preventing shrubs from taking over meadows and forests. This allows for a more balanced ecosystem with a variety of plant species.
Predatory Playthings: Deer are a food source for many predators, including wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain.

Keeping Your Property Deer-Free: A Delicate Balance

Having deer wander through your yard can be a delight for nature lovers, but they can also wreak havoc on your landscaping. Here are a few tips to discourage deer from making your property their personal buffet:

Fence It In: Building a sturdy fence around your garden or property is the most effective way to deter deer. Make sure the fence is at least 8 feet tall to discourage jumping, and consider adding an inward-curving fence top to make it even more difficult for deer to scale.
Plant Power: Deer tend to avoid strong-smelling plants. Consider planting herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint around your property as natural deterrents. You can also try using commercially available deer repellents, but keep in mind that these may need to be reapplied regularly.
Scare Tactics: Motion-activated sprinklers or strobe lights can startle deer and keep them away. Just be sure to position them in a way that won’t disturb your neighbors.

Coexisting with Our “Deer” Neighbors

While deer can be destructive to our manicured lawns and gardens, they help create a healthy ecosystem and can be fascinating to watch. Given the number of deer in the US alone, they aren’t going anywhere so if deer are getting into too much, reach out to a wildlife control company, like Prickly Pear Wildlife Removal and Home Services as they have a variety of tools to help protect your vegetation and make it easier to coexist.