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Wed. August 1, 2007, 07:34am PDT
Photos ~ Deer in our neighborhoods
There are lots of small critters that live out their lives among us. But bigger ones aren't often seen in such densely populated areas. Now, I know we've had goats invade a local park, birds tearing up our lawns or just sitting watching us in our alleys, and we've even seen signs of deer in fallen snow. It's always fun, however, to catch a glimpse of local deer wandering the streets.
Just the other day I saw a couple deer while out running an errand. The two were just off 21st behind the shopping center with Joeseppi's. I worried about them at first but they were smart and stuck to a green belt that ran the length behind those buildings. Makes me think about green belts and even trying to make available some unobstructed paths between local green spaces like Chambers Creek, Titlow Park, Point Defiance Park, and the various lush ravines in the area for these critters to travel between safely. I suppose though it's a fat chance this'll happen considering the lack of human walking and bike trails in this area.
Have you seen these guys wandering around town? Where at? Like I've heard, have they taken the occasional nibble on your roses? I've started a Google map 'cause I think it would be interesting to log info about where folks see them so we can get a better idea of where they're coming from/going to. Feel free to drop your sightings below and email any photos over to me.
Comments (15) | To Top
8/1/2007 @ 8:06am
I wish I had a photo, but they're in our next door neighbor's backyard all the time. They hang out in the ravine at N 16th and Junette streets, and come out to wander all over our neighborhood. Another neighbor has found them sound asleep in here garden. The first week we were here I saw them walking down the sidewalk at seven o'clock at night.
We had a coyote problem for a while, which seemed to scare them off, but now that there haven't been any coyote sightings for about 6 months they've been spotted again.
by jenyum
8/1/2007 @ 8:31am
We saw them last weekend at the Jackson Street entrance to Hwy 16. While it's not too unusual to see deer in our neighborhood (we live off 17th and Lenore) we were surprised to see deer out so late in the day. I wonder why they're not in the Point Defiance area with all the other deer?
by Ann
8/1/2007 @ 10:48am
Thanks guys, keep 'em coming!
I've also seen them in the green belt off 30th and Shirley.
by KevinFreitas
8/1/2007 @ 12:04pm
"Densely populated areas" What densely populated areas? Do you mean Tacoma? That's odd, considering the density in Tacoma is comparable to or lower than many suburbs.
by Andre
8/1/2007 @ 1:26pm
Sorry, maybe I could've said "urban residential area". Though we're not vertical like large cities the grid from the south to north ends is pretty solid. We're certainly not rural and I'd absolutely include the sprawl further out in Pierce County in this neighborhood type.
I also bring this up because, at least downtown and on the north end, we're on a peninsula whereas in rural Pierce County there's land in all directions. Far less space for wild animals to live/hide.
by KevinFreitas
8/1/2007 @ 2:42pm
Okay, here's a topic that has brought me from the reading side to the posting side of the blog world.
My list of deer sitings: I saw one last week at the Jackson Street off ramp from Hwy 16 (coming into Tacoma-eastbound 16). It was between the offramp and the highway. I've had deer droppings at the end of my driveway but never actually saw the deer. (near N. 26th & Vassault) I saw two walking down the sidewalk on N. Vassault (near N. 21st), and have friends who saw deer (two) at the Westgate shopping center. It certaintly seems like they are being spotted more and more frequently. PS...Love your map :-) If I see any more I'll let you know.
by Anne
8/1/2007 @ 2:54pm
Thanks for chiming in Anne and welcome to "the other side".
FUN NET FACT: Did you know there's a name for folks who view online forums and comment areas but don't participate? Lurkers.
Thanks for joining in the conversation!
by KevinFreitas
8/2/2007 @ 8:13am
My mom lives at Point Defiance Village, a retirement complex in Ruston. We've seen deer wandering the property many times.
by M. Kellogg
8/3/2007 @ 9:45pm
Spotted one at N.Stevens and N.39th this evening. I always spot some tracks in the dirt in the garden around the same area.
by Jennifer
8/5/2007 @ 10:19am
Oh, forgot to post this yesterday, but I saw a deer and 2 fawn in the greenspace (Garfield Park) just off Schuster Parkway after leaving Old Town. Cuties!
by KevinFreitas
8/6/2007 @ 10:47pm
I just saw a deer near N 32nd and Lawrence. It was amazing!
by Meredith
11/29/2007 @ 1:07pm
I live in this area and see these animals a lot. there are a few wooded areas near the golf course. I recently saw one of the animals get hit by a car on 21st. If you drive in this area in the early morning, please be alert. It is neat to see thses animals but the environment is not favorable for them.
by Garrick
12/14/2007 @ 12:39pm
i have seen several in the last few months in and around my back yard. The other evening returning from work, it was almost dark, and there were two crossing into my front yard the reverse path of my next signting; a small one in the rear and a larger female in the front. Last night 10:30, i saw one walking slowly across my backyard and down to the street, setting off the neighbor's motion lite on their garage. he walked across their yard, slow as you please, until he was out of sight. i live in the northern part of memphis on Lake Windemere in a rural area, we all have at least 1 acre lots, no fences between lots and about 50 acres of woods spread out behind us that they are trying to turn into a subdivision. grrrr! it is amazing to see them walking around!!
by kathy fitzpatrick
6/22/2008 @ 9:13am
Just saw a fawn scamper into the hillside foliage along Schuster this morning. Added it to the Google map above.
by KevinFreitas
7/14/2008 @ 10:14am
I was surprised this morning when a deer crossed in front of me from the center island on Pearl just south of N. 21st Street. It was about quarter to 10:00. Anyway, I'm glad to report my reflexes are still good, and I stopped in time.
by Ann