Two deer having a snack on the Southern Oregon University Campus, March 3, 2026.(Roman Battaglia / JPR News)

Blacktail deer strolling through Lithia Park or the Southern Oregon University campus have long been part of Ashland's charm. But wildlife officials said that some deer are becoming too comfortable around people, turning some deer into a public safety concern.

Matthew Vargas, a biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, said reports of deer injuring pets and confronting people have increased in recent years. Aggression tends to peak in late spring when does protect hidden fawns.

“If the doe is not afraid of people, then it's going to try to protect that area from you,” Vargas said. Dogs are frequently targeted because they resemble natural predators.

To address the problem, the Ashland City Council plans to launch a public education program aimed at discouraging residents and visitors from feeding or approaching deer.

“We want to keep them wild and scared of people, and and that's going to be kind of the base of a long-term solution going forward,” Vargas said.

Officials encourage residents to enjoy the deer from a distance and use deterrents, such as loud noises or garden hoses, to reinforce natural boundaries.

Guest

• Matthew Vargas, biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife