The most common human-wildlife conflict with deer is when deer eat the plants in someone’s yard or garden. You can humanely discourage deer from eating your plants.
With these simple steps, it’s easy to coexist with deer:
- Plant deer-resistant native plants. These are plants that deer don’t tend to eat. You can contact your local Cooperative Extension Service to learn about native deer-resistant plants in your area: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search.
- Apply deer repellent to the plants. Repellents can taste or smell unpleasant to deer. Repellents should be reapplied about every two weeks.
- Build and 8-foot fence around your yard or garden. Deer cannot jump above 8 feet.
- Try to scare the deer away. Make deer feel uncomfortable and unsafe in your yard. You can try making loud noises when they enter your yard or squirting them with water.
If you have any questions regarding White-tailed deer, please contact us at (202) 882-1000. If you find an injured deer, please contact your local animal control. DC Animal Care and Control can be reached at (202) 576-6664. City Wildlife is not licensed to rehabilitate deer.
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