Deerwood Community · Jacksonville, Florida
Living Well with
Our Wildlife
A guide to respectful coexistence in our shared landscape
Deerwood Community · Jacksonville, Florida
A guide to respectful coexistence in our shared landscape
Deerwood was founded in the spirit of harmony with nature. Our ponds, trees, and open spaces are inseparable from the wildlife that calls this place home alongside us — deer, geese, herons, and more. Our role is to be responsible stewards: appreciating wildlife from a respectful distance, never feeding it, and knowing when and how to act.
This page is maintained by the Deerwood DIA and updated periodically.
Who shares our land
A community survey of 154 Deerwood households found that 54% have experienced direct interactions or conflicts with wildlife. Deer account for the majority of reported concerns (47%), followed by Canada Geese (23%), feral cats (19%), armadillos and raccoons (10% each), and smaller populations of ducks, foxes, snakes, and alligators.
Most of these animals are drawn closer to homes by one thing above all else: the availability of food. Reducing that draw is the single most effective thing residents can do.
The most commonly reported concern. Deer are drawn to gardens and plantings — especially when fed by neighbours, intentionally or not.
Federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Droppings and territorial behaviour are the primary concerns for residents.
Beautiful and entirely harmless to people. These birds are a natural part of our pond ecosystem and require no management.
Feral and free-roaming cats can carry disease and pose a threat to native birds and small wildlife. Do not feed stray cats.
Common in Florida and largely harmless, though they can damage lawns while foraging. They are rarely aggressive and do not need to be disturbed.
Native birds provide natural pest control and enrich our environment. Enjoy them — but avoid ground feeders that attract unwanted visitors.
Deerwood's Namesake
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are native to Florida and can be found throughout the state, from the panhandle to the Keys. Deerwood takes its name from these graceful animals, which remain a living presence in and around our community. Adult bucks in North Florida can reach 190 pounds; does average around 90 pounds. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk — the times you are most likely to spot them near ponds, tree lines, and open areas.
Deer are primarily browsers, feeding on leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruit of trees, shrubs, and grasses. They naturally cover large land areas while foraging. Where deer are being fed by residents, they shift their behaviour — concentrating near homes, losing their natural wariness of people, and creating safety hazards near roads.
To report a sick, injured, or deceased deer: FWC Wildlife Alert — 1-888-404-3922 (24/7)
To report a deer showing signs of CWD (abnormally thin, disoriented, or dead of unknown causes): CWD Hotline — 1-866-CWD-WATCH
Our most important ask
Feeding wildlife — even with the best of intentions — is the leading cause of conflict between animals and residents. It changes natural foraging behaviour, concentrates wildlife near homes, increases aggression, and can spread disease. It is also illegal for many species under Florida law.
When one resident feeds wildlife, the effects are felt by the entire community. Food left for deer or geese is equally accessible to raccoons, rats, armadillos, and other animals.
Florida Statutes Section 379.412 and FWC administrative rules prohibit the feeding of certain wildlife species. Violations can carry fines and other penalties.
Place "Do Not Feed Waterfowl" signs near ponds and lakefronts: Download FWC signage (PDF)
Canada Geese · FWC Guidelines
Canada geese, their nests, eggs, and young are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. All management actions must be humane and non-injurious. The following methods are recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Property owners may apply for a Nest/Egg Depredation Permit to legally destroy Canada goose nests and eggs, or perform egg addling (rendering eggs non-viable). This requires annual reporting.
For removal of adult geese, a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit from the USFWS is required. These are rarely issued for residential communities. Contact the USFWS MBTA office: (404) 679-7070.
Incidents & Response
Collisions with motor vehicles and other incidents can result in injured or deceased wildlife on common areas and private property. Knowing what to do — and who to call — is important.
Get in touch
If you encounter a wildlife emergency, an injured animal, or need guidance on a wildlife situation in the community, the contacts below can help. This section will be updated with DIA-specific contact information as it becomes available.
For general wildlife questions, the FWC is an excellent first resource and their Wildlife Alert hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.