Deer are our wild neighbors, forced by habitat loss into the spaces where humans now live.

These gentle herd animals are loved by many, but the disappearance of wild lands has led them into increasing conflicts with humans; they’re often killed when they wander onto roads (endangering human lives too) and they drive gardeners to distraction with their nibbling ways. They’re often targeted for mass kills to reduce their numbers, but these are ineffective and unnecessary. There are ways to peacefully coexist with deer.

Deer fawn in the grass near some flowers
Ken Canning
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iStock.com
Deer have been forced to live close to us. They deserve our understanding.

When deer come into conflicts with humans, communities often start talking about lethal means of control—but that shouldn’t be the answer. We have led advances in the field of immunocontraception, which provides an effective means of population control by preventing more births instead of killing the animals.

a tranquilized deer taken back to the woods after a successful sterilization surgery to help control over population
Volunteers help transport a tranquilized deer back to the woods after a successful sterilization surgery to help control overpopulation in Phoenix, Md.
James Berglie
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For the HSUS
Did you know?

If you find a wild fawn, don’t assume they've been abandoned! Usually the mother is nearby grazing, making sure not to draw potential predators toward her little one. Unless you can see the fawn is injured or the mother is known to be dead, you don’t need to intervene.

Two deer in a field

Every day, more and more wildlife habitats are lost to the spread of development. Your gift can help create more humane backyards to protect all animals. 

John Harrison