When you attract deer to your
property, you may also be attracting mountain lions.
More than half of California is considered
deer habitat. And where there are deer, there are mountain
lions. That’s because deer are the mountain lion’s
primary prey.
Allowing deer access to your garden and landscaping,
or intentionally feeding deer, can be deadly. Wild animals
naturally fear people, keep a distance, and will not bother
you, so long as they remain truly wild. But if they become
accustomed to humans, their natural ways are ruined. Their
normal wildlife and fear of humans is lost. That’s when
conflict occur.
- Never intentionally feed deer.
- Landscape with deer-resistant plants.
- Enclose gardens with eight-foot fencing or use deer-proof fencing.
- Pick up fallen tree fruit.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house and garden.
- Consider using commercially prepared deer repellents (available at garden supply stores.)
