Why Are Deer Increasingly Present in Oakland Hills Neighborhood?
By Joan Morris, Correspondent
Published: October 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM PDT
Residents of the Oakland Hills have noticed a significant rise in deer activity over the past year. Dan San Souci, a longtime local, shared that during evening walks with his dog, it is common to see groups ranging from three to six deer.
On a recent evening, Mr. San Souci and his wife spotted about a dozen deer gathered on a neighbor’s well-lit, spacious driveway. Interestingly, neighbors do not express frustration over the animals’ presence. One resident even observed a young deer approaching closely until being gently reminded to maintain a respectful distance for the animal’s safety. The neighborhood association has responded by installing deer crossing signs in an effort to moderate traffic speeds and protect the animals.
Local Theories on Deer Population Increase
The explanations circulating among residents are varied and reflect common wildlife concerns:
- Deer populations may be expanding due to limited natural predators in the area
- Reduced human activity during COVID led to animals becoming more comfortable near residential zones
- Heavy regional development has displaced deer, pushing them into neighborhoods
- An overall increase in deer numbers possibly linked to breeding patterns
Mr. San Souci describes the area as very rural, with fewer vehicles and a community welcoming of deer, which may encourage the animals to settle there.
Expert Insight: A Combination of Factors Drives Deer Movement
Wildlife experts emphasize that multiple variables typically influence local deer populations. Joan Morris notes that while the COVID-19 lockdown may have contributed to population dynamics, long-term patterns depend more heavily on predator presence, disease prevalence, and habitat changes caused by construction.
Oakland Hills’ rural landscape coupled with residents’ tolerance appears to create an environment conducive to deer habitation. The presence of food sources like ornamental plants and accessible water contributes to their concentration. Furthermore, deer (Odocoileus spp.) naturally adapt to fragmented habitats, balancing risk and resource availability.
From a biological perspective, white-tailed and mule deer populations fluctuate seasonally, and their social structures can result in small groups or larger aggregations, especially in regions with safe corridors and low hunting pressure. The local community’s efforts to install deer crossing signs illustrate a proactive human-wildlife coexistence strategy aimed at reducing vehicle collisions.
Additional reporting and sources from: Why are so many deer attracted to my neighborhood? – Marin Independent Journal
