The University of Victoria was first to approve Fawns Crossing signs and those were the first to disappear.
The election-style signage was posted by the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society in a campaign to create awareness in drivers that where a doe walks a fawn likely follows.
They posted signs along Ring Road which crosses both Oak Bay and Saanich municipal boundaries.
“Unfortunately, our signs up at UVic have been taken twice, all at once and during work hours. We’ve reported the thefts to the Oak Bay and Saanich Police and UVic Security, but unfortunately there isn’t much they can do,” said vice president Kristy Kilpatrick, vice president of UWSS. “We expected the odd sign to be taken here or there, but due to the manner and time of day the UVic signs were taken, it seems as though someone has targeted them, which is a real shame.”
Kilpatrick says they’ve had positive feedback from drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, homeowners, municipal workers and police.
District of Oak Bay statistics show that by July 7 last year Public Works and Oak Bay Police picked up 20 dead deer. They have picked up 14 to date. Five were found in the vicinity of Cedar Hill X Road and Cadboro Bay Road area with the rest scattered throughout the community.
The demand for signs from residents in Oak Bay, Victoria and Saanich outstrips the supply, she added. They are funded through donations and as fawn season dwindles the society is ready with a new message. “We are going to have more signs printed, with the same familiar red stripe and the image of doe and fawns, but with the words “Expect Deer” so that they can be used beyond fawn season in areas where deer cross.”
Residents can get signage or more information by emailing info@deerplanoakbay.ca.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com