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Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Ungulates

California is home to many native ungulate species, including Tule elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. They may be found in diverse habitats throughout the state that may include remote, rural, and residential areas. These animals may live in resident or migratory herds. Each unique species may have different habitat and resource needs to survive.

Ungulates provide many ecosystem services, such as nutrient or seed dispersal. They are an important part of the natural food chain and a primary prey source for predators. Ungulates face many conservation threats that may include habitat loss, poaching, and disease (e.g., Chronic Wasting Disease).

Prevent Potential Conflicts

Deer

California is home to 6 subspecies of deer (Odocoileus hemionus spp.): the California mule deer, Columbian black-tailed deer, Desert mule deer, Inyo mule deer, Rocky Mountain mule deer, Southern mule deer. Deer herds may be migratory or resident staying in one area year-round. Migrating herds travel between their summer range (high elevation) and winter range (low elevation) each year.

front view of deer with antlers

Deer diet may include grasses, plants, acorns, bark and buds. Deer may cause conflicts due to agricultural or property damage, public safety or health concerns due to vehicle-deer collisions as they crossroads or diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease. They may browse gardens, orchards or vineyards if “deer-proof” fencing or deterrents are not used. If fed, deer can also lose their fear of humans or attract predators.

Prevent Potential Conflicts

Elk

California is home to three sub-species of elk (Cervus canadensis spp.): the Roosevelt elk, Rocky Mountain elk, Tule elk. Tule and Roosevelt elk are native to the state. Rocky Mountain elk are a non-native species first introduced to California for game farming and hunting purposes in 1966.

Elk walking.
 

Elk establishes resident herds year-round and each species prefers specific habitat. Their diet can include grasses, forbs, plants, shrubs, trees (up to 6 feet), fungi, and aquatic vegetation. Elk may also feed on crops, orchards or vineyards. Elk may cause conflicts due to agricultural or property damage as they forage, public safety concerns as they crossroads, or health concerns due to disease such as bovine tuberculosis.

Prevent Potential Conflicts

Wildlife Health Lab
1701 Nimbus Road Suite D, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 358-2790 | WILAB@wildlife.ca.gov