Ashland Weighs Deer Safety Campaign as Conflicts Rise

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Growing conflicts between people and habituated deer in Ashland, Oregon are pushing city leaders to consider a public education campaign and potentially lethal removal of problem animals as a last resort. Wildlife officials report a rise in complaints about deer-related safety risks, landscape damage, and deer accessing yards and sheds, with Ashland seeing more human-safety incidents than nearby cities.

Why it matters

Ashland's unique geography and recent mild winters have led to an unusually high deer population within city limits, with the animals losing their fear of humans. This has resulted in an increase in dangerous encounters, raising concerns about public safety, especially for seniors and children.

The details

Ashland City Council discussed the escalating situation, with the city's police chief saying they had to consider lethal removal of an aggressive deer for the first time last year. Wildlife officials say Ashland has exceeded the level of deer-human conflicts seen in other nearby towns, with nearly 15 such incidents reported in 2022 alone. The city plans to launch a public education campaign urging residents to scare deer away rather than feed them, and may consider applying for a state program that allows lethal removal of deer deemed a public nuisance.

• In 2022, Ashland saw the highest number of wildlife conflict calls on record across Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties.
• Last year, an Ashland resident was knocked down and kicked by an aggressive doe while walking her dog.
• In recent years, Ashland has seen mild winters that have disrupted natural deer food sources, leading the animals to increasingly turn to the city for sustenance.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.