Provincial funds on hold for Oak Bay deer birth control

There’s frustration in the Victoria suburb of Oak Bay.

The provincial government is throwing a wench into its plan to curb the growing deer population.

“We have initially been told that the application requires more information,” said Victoria Mayor Nils Jensen.

The district was ready to move forward with a non-lethal approach, by implementing a fertility control program that would inoculate 30 per cent of the does; which would reduce the population by half within a five year period.

But it all hinged on the provincial government matching $20,000 in funding.  Now, until questions about the project and specifically the drug being used are answered, that’s on hold.

“Previously, it was thought that we would be relying on a vaccine called SpayVac, but SpayVac is no longer available,” Steve Huxter with the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society said.

“So, we’ve been working with a lab and some other organizations to develop some alternatives.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Previously, it was thought that we would be relying on a vaccine called SpayVac, but SpayVac is no longer available," Steve Huxter with the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society said.</p><p>"So, we've been working with a lab and some other organizations to develop some alternatives."

In a statement, the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources said, there are a few other drugs available but more research would be needed to understand their pros and cons for B.C. deer, and whether they can be applied to the specific situation in Oak Bay. Other details that need to be worked out include the permitting process and specifics on how to capture the deer and administer the drug.”

Huxter is optimistic, saying “we feel that we can confidently address their concerns and move forward from there.”

Contraceptive control was not an option two years ago when Oak Bay got the go-ahead to move forward with a cull.  Despite intense opposition, only 11 deer were killed over a 16-day period.

Now, the number is back on the rise and time is of the essence.

Jensen says, “We have a small community, only 10 square kilometres.  It’s really becoming a health and safety issue.”

In order to have any chance at reducing the population, the contraceptive must be administered by the end of the summer before mating season begins.