White-Tailed Deer

                                                   Two Fawns by Mandan Park (filmed by SCB)

Some of the most popular backyards visitors in our area are the white-tailed deer that live in and around Mandan Park.  They are numerous enough that we often see groups of them at dusk and even late in the afternoon, as well as early in the morning.  Some of them have even been bold enough to jump my fence and come into my yard to eat my shrubbery (sand cherries seem to be a favorite of theirs).

I have read that deer like corn, and putting it out in the winter may attract them, but I have never had them come into the yard for it when I have put it out.  Some of the neighbors put leftover apples out for them (which I have never actually seen them eat, but the apples do eventually disappear).  Other people have put out salt licks, and they do frequently visit these.

There are deer feeders available at hardware stores (which I have periodically considered purchasing, and may end up doing someday soon).  There is also grass seed available you can purchase and plant that they tend to favor (and which also tends to be healthy for them).  I have also heard that deer absolutely love acorns (so if you happen to have an oak tree, you may be in luck!)  The only drawback about feeding them is that they will sometimes dash across roads to get to urban backyards, causing numerous near accidents and some actual ones.

No matter when I see them, I am always pleasantly surprised.  They are certainly one of the loveliest animals that live in the Mandan Park area, and one of the most exciting to see.