Deer and Ashland go together. Deer can be seen feasting on grass, shrubs, and plants in almost all of the city’s neighborhoods, from the downtown to Mountain Ranch. They pose no physical threat to humans or pets (though dogs can make them nervous), but they are a nuisance when they eat your flowers and vegetables.
While no guarantee, deer-resistant plants offer the best defense. There are various lists of plants deer avoid. Here is one from the Oregon State University Extension Service.
A quick tour through the neighborhood will also give you an idea of what works (along with fencing).
General Guidelines from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife include:
Bears, mostly mamas with their cubs, occasionally find their way into Mountain Ranch, but they are rare. As always, give these creatures plenty of room to escape—they are as afraid of us as we are of them. Don’t put your garbage out until Monday morning, if possible.
- Feed pets in the house or garage.
- Keep pet food indoors or in the garage.
- Do not feed any wildlife including birds or deer; they are prey for cougars.
- If you do have bird feeders, hang them as least 10 feet off the ground and keep the area under the bird feeder clean.
- Remove fruit that has fallen from trees.
- Secure garbage cans in the garage or behind a fence. Secure lids when placing garbage cans outside for pickup.