Ever wonder if deer could harm your dog after a walk or hike? Deer meat isn’t actually poisonous, but it can cause issues if it’s spoiled, cooked with toxic seasonings, or packed with bacteria or parasites. If you handle and prepare venison the right way, it’s generally safe for dogs. But raw or contaminated deer…
If you’re wondering how long a wild deer actually lives, the answer isn’t all that straightforward. Most wild deer make it about 3 to 6 years, but some lucky ones—usually in well-managed areas or certain species—can hit 10 years or more. Why do those numbers swing so much? There’s a whole list: hunting, predators, cars,…
You probably picture deer munching leaves and berries, right? Well, they mostly do—but every now and then, they’ll surprise you. Yes — while deer are mainly herbivores, sometimes they eat animal matter like eggs, small carcasses, or carrion if they need extra nutrients. Let’s talk about why this actually happens. I’ll walk you through what…
Ever watched a deer leap across a yard and wondered if your 6-foot fence stands a chance? Honestly, most deer can and will jump a 6-foot barrier if they’re spooked or really want what’s on the other side. So, a basic 6-foot fence isn’t a sure thing. That changes how you have to think about…
Maybe you’ve seen that viral video of a deer munching on a snake and thought, “Wait, do deer really eat snakes?” Surprisingly, yes — deer will sometimes snack on snakes or even other animals, especially when they’re craving extra minerals or protein. Let’s talk about why deer do this, how they deal with snakes, and…
You might get bitten by a deer mouse, especially if you corner one or try to pick it up. Deer mice usually steer clear of people, but if they feel trapped or threatened, they’ll bite—so take any bite seriously. If you spot signs of nesting or catch a mouse in a trap, stay careful and…
If your dog kills a deer, you could end up dealing with legal trouble, unexpected costs, and some tough choices about your dog’s future. You might get fined, be held financially responsible for the deer, and face orders from animal control or wildlife agencies. Sometimes, those orders mean you’ll need to confine your dog, pay…
You might spot small, tidy openings near logs or under brush and wonder, who’s responsible for those? Yep — deer mice dig shallow burrows and often use old holes for nests, food storage, and shelter. So, those little entrances could mean you’ve got some mouse neighbors in your yard or garden (see more about field…
You can actually help deer thrive by offering foods they’d naturally eat and by shaping their habitat to support them all year. The best thing to feed wild deer? Native browse — twigs, buds, leaves, and native fruits or nuts. These foods fit their digestive needs and keep them healthy. A short list of safe…
You might think deer are harmless, but in the right (or wrong) situation, they can definitely injure your dog. Deer usually want nothing to do with conflict, but if they feel threatened or need to protect a fawn, they’ll stand their ground and fight back. Knowing when deer act defensively can help you keep your…