This page provides problem-solving advice and ways to make your yard less attractive to deer in the first place.
For more information on these large mammals, including what they eat and where they live in the forest preserves, visit the main white-tailed deer page.
Unlike humans, fawns spend much of their time alone or with siblings. Females can leave them alone for up to 24 hours at a time.
If you see a fawn alone, do not disturb it. The mother is likely near, and it’s always best to have fawns raised by their own species. Additionally, as with other native wildlife, deer are protected by state law, and it is unlawful to care for a fawn without a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Deer and auto collisions increase dramatically October through December, when deer are in rut, and May through June, when young from the previous year are out on their own and does are with fawn and thus slower and less agile. There are several ways you can help lower your chance of a collision.
Each winter, District ecologists conduct aerial surveys to estimate the number of deer in the forest preserves. During the spring and summer, they study plant communities and document the extent of deer browse, especially on rare or protected plants and plant communities. If they can attribute a loss of diversity to high deer densities, they may determine deer-removal efforts are necessary at a given forest preserve.
The District's deer management program operates in late fall and winter under stringent safety guidelines. The District posts warning signs at major forest preserve access points and sends letters to nearby residents. All activity takes place at night, when the preserves are closed, in designated safe zones.
The meat is inspected and processed at a licensed facility and donated to area food pantries. On average, the District donates more than 8,000 pounds of ground venison each year. See our brochure on white-tailed deer and ecosystem management (PDF).
Deer are common hosts for black-legged ticks, which can carry and transmit Lyme disease. Deer do not transmit the disease, but coming in contact with deer can increase your risk of exposure to black-legged ticks.
Deer can also carry toxoplasmosis, which people can acquire after handling or eating contaminated undercooked venison.
Fawn Alone in the Woods
Deer on the Road
If You Hit a Deer
How to Make Your Yard Less Attractive
What You Should Never Do
Deer Management Program
Public Health Concerns
If you find a wild animal that looks injured or orphaned, leave it alone and call the Forest Preserve District's Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 630-942-6200. Recordings offer general advice when the center is closed.
Or visit the wildlife rescue advice page.
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3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.