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OVERVIEW There is a segment of the City residents that suggest human and pet interactions with deer in Cody are increasing. The data collected from the 2011 community survey show an even split on the issue of urban deer population in Cody City limits. The survey and summary can be viewed on the City’s website. • In the fall of 2010, the City Council created the Urban Deer Task Force that has been working on an acceptable urban deer management plan. • The Wyoming Game and Fish provided an estimate of the urban deer population living in the City limits. • The Task Force developed an adopted deer management strategy that includes annual counts by the Game and Fish Department and review of the information gathered. • The strategy was accepted by the Cody City Council in August 2011. Living with Urban Deer INTENTIONAL FEEDING OF Deer The intentional feeding of deer within the city limits of Cody is a violation of City ordinance. The ordinance clearly states no one is to provide deer with food, food waste, or other attractive edible material intended for the sole purpose of feeding deer. Such foods could also attract predators such as bears, coyotes and mountain lions. Violating the ordinance will be committing an offense. Offenders can be fined on an escalating scale from $10 to $750. Home fruit and vegetable gardens intended for human consumption or ornamental plants and flowers are not included as material intended for the sole purpose of feeding deer under the ordinance. Note: City Ordinance No. 2011-17 covers intentional feeding of deer. Local resources & contact information: City of Cody P.O. Box 2200, 1338 Rumsey Avenue, Cody, WY 82414 (307) 527-7511 • www.cityofcody-wy.gov Link to Summary of Community Survey Document http://www.cityofcody-wy.gov/downloads/17/1616.pdf UW Extension Office (307) 527-8560 • http://www.uwyo.edu/ces/ Wyoming Game & Fish Department (307) 777-4600 • http://gf.state.wy.us/ Mission Statement The Cody Deer Task Force Committee will work to recommend a plan with various control alternatives for the Cody City Council to consider that would achieve a deer density at acceptable levels per square mile of habitat to foster a healthy deer herd and still maintain enough deer for all to see and enjoy. For a large text version please contact City of Cody Parks & Recreation or visit the City’s website at: www.cityofcody-wy.gov ---PAGE BREAK--- Deer ARE A PART OF OUR ENVIRONMENT The City of Cody officials recognize that deer are a natural part of our environment. While a number of residents have little concern about the current urban deer population, other residents express growing apprehension about aggression by deer and with property damage caused by deer. • A public education program, including this brochure, is the beginning of recommendations that City Council has adopted. • There will be a review of City ordinances to seek out measures that assist property owners and tenants in protecting their own property from damage caused by deer. • The measures will help reduce the potential of dangerous encounters with urban deer. • The Urban Deer Task Force will continue to seek resident feed-back, monitor and report numbers of deer, predator sightings, complaints, incidents of deer conflicts and ordinance infractions. LIFE CYCLE OF Mule Deer Just prior to the mating (rutting) season in November, bucks increase their displays of dominance and indirect threats. A dominant buck typically circles a rival with deliberate steps; back arched, head low and tail flickering. Bucks display dominance by violently thrashing the bushes with their antlers. During the November-December rutting season, mature bucks engage in serious head-to-head fights. It is during the pre-rut and rutting season bucks can become aggressive towards humans and pets when their space is violated. Female Deer (doe) can breed as yearlings and after a six to seven month gestation period they drop their first fawns. Typically, doe produce throughout life. Normally, 45% - 70% of the fawns die, and few mule deer live more than 8-10 years. Deer ENCOUNTERS AND YOU Deer are wild animals and as such can be dangerous. Do not approach deer or their fawns. Female deer can be aggressive during the fawn season May through June. Likewise, bucks can be aggressive during the rut (breeding season) from November through December. If you should be in the presence of deer and a response such as a change in stance or physical move towards you, you are too close. According to WY Game and Fish biologists, deer always move forward. Give the deer plenty of space and retreat or leave the area. Do not walk closer to the deer, rather, choose another route. When walking a dog, City ordinance requires the dog to be on a leash. Note: City Ordinance No. 53-6: Animals at Large, covers the leash law. Deer AND DRIVING Deer can cross a road at any time or bound from a hill or brush. By following posted driving laws you are better prepared to react appropriately when confronted with a possible deer collision. Deer are very active at night requiring extra vigilance when driving between sunset and sunrise. If it appears hitting a deer with your vehicle cannot be avoided, according to defensive driving training, it is recommended to hit the deer rather than trying to swerve or brake which could result in over correcting or hitting another vehicle. Deer AND YOUR YARD There are a few techniques that can be used to protect your property from deer damage. With a combination of landscaping with deer resistant plants, fencing, and deer repellants you can protect your yard and property from deer damage. Fence designs should be considered so deer do not get caught in the fence or become impaled. Fences must meet standards as set by City Ordinance Chapter 12. Talk with your landscape professional, favorite nursery, or contact the UW-Cooperative Extension Master Gardners to find out more about deer resistant plants and repellants. Note: For more about suggested fencing and other information, contact any Wyoming Game and Fish Office.