Pincher Creek has a deer problem that needs fixing. The town’s resident mule deer population sits at around 100 as of this winter, according to senior wildlife biologist Maria Didkwosky.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but mule deer are known to have quite the appetite. While these animals will eat just about anything if they are hungry enough, they have a preference for nutritious plants.
For Pincher Creek’s residents with a green thumb, this is terrible news. Well-tended gardens are like a buffet for mule deer looking to get their fill.
Who knew that the mule deer in Pincher Creek have expensive tastes? They love roses.
This has been a nightmare for Lebel Mansion’s rose garden.
Lebel Mansion is a historic building located in the heart of Pincher Creek. The Oldman Rose Society manages the mansion’s rose garden, which features more than 55 types of roses.
Since the society began cultivating the garden, it has accepted over 100 private donations, as well as donations from the town and nearby MDs.
Donations have gone towards beautifying the garden, which is a highlight of the town’s annual Communities in Bloom contest. The program evaluates communities on six key criteria– community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and floral display.
Lebel Mansion’s rose garden is a popular attraction in town. Unfortunately, mule deer have ravaged the garden. The damage is so severe that the garden may not even factor in this year’s Communities in Bloom contest.
“If we are to participate in Communities in Bloom, based on last year’s example, there will not be very many flowers on display unless something is done,” said Kay Weir, the president of the Old Man Rose Society.
Mule deer are also responsible for vehicle accidents and are known to be aggressive during rutting and fawning seasons. Not to mention, deer attract predators like cougars and coyotes.
However, its important to remember that these hungry fellows are just trying to survive. We are also partly responsible for habituating deer.
“We typically see a range of citizen responses to deer — from people who actively feed deer and actively promote their presence in urban settings, to people who show open disdain for the animals,” said Mark Heckbert, Wildlife Conflict Specialist for Alberta’s Environment Ministry.
Pincher Creek’s town council is now considering a bylaw amendment to allow for higher fencing, which has proven to be the most successful at deterring mule deer.
As for population control, the town hopes to avoid a cull. Instead, Pincher Creek is considering alternatives, including live-trapping and birth-control administration to curb fawning rates.
