Deer: Coexisting with Wildlife

Please call for assistance and do not attempt to rescue the injured or sick deer yourself. They may be very frightened and attempt to protect themselves with their sharp hooves or antlers, so special precautions should be taken when helping this animal.
Fawns (baby deer) found hiding in tall grasses or bushes should be left alone as the mother may be nearby and waiting for you to leave. Check on the fawn 3-4 hours later and if it is still there it may be orphaned. If the animal is in immediate danger, slowly and very carefully move it to a safer spot until an experienced person arrives. It is best to keep minimal contact with the fawn as they become easily stressed.
If you’ve found a sick or injured adult deer, call Project Wildlife at 619-299-7012 for further guidance.
If you’ve found a sick, injured or confirmed orphaned baby deer, call San Diego Fawn Rescue at 858-603-0170.

Fawn (baby deer) in your yard. Make sure the mother deer, or doe, can get into the area. If this is not possible, inspect your fence to find the hole through which the fawn got in, put the fawn outside of the hole and then make sure the hole is blocked or closed so that the fawn cannot come back through. The mother should return for the fawn soon. If no humans are around when she returns, she will likely reclaim her fawn despite the human scent.
Deer eating garden and landscaping plants. Deer fencing should be 8 feet high and made of high-tensile (strong) wire or mesh fencing. Slanting the fencing at a 45-degree angle helps prevent deer from jumping over it. If fencing the entire area is too expensive, fencing individual plants is effective.
- Black Dacron bird netting, purchased from a plant nursery, is effective when placed over planting beds or individual plants. The nets let new growth through, so they must be lifted and reset every few days to maintain protection. Netting can also be used as an extension above a fence that is too low.
- Using plants, scents or visuals that deer find unpleasant can be effective in repelling them. Examples include marigolds, lavender, vinegar and motion sensor lights.
- Planting deer-resistant plants can be an alternative, although when food sources are limited, deer may still attempt to eat these plants.