Wondering About Those Axis Deer Showing Up in Your Yard?

Non-native Axis deer are showing up in Canyon Lake backyards and on social media, drawing attention for their good looks.

Their orange coats are dotted with white spots and white patches on their throats. Axis deer males grow massive antlers and weigh up to 250 pounds.

Wildlife experts aren’t as charmed by the Axis deer because they threaten Comal County’s indigenous white-tailed deer.

The Hill Country Alliance will host a free webinar about the new deer in town from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2. The event also is sponsored by Texas Tech University’s Department of Natural Resources Management.

To join, go to https://zoom.us/j/93754658053 or call 1-346-248-7799 and then dial the Meeting ID: 937 5465 8053. For more information, email info@hillcountryalliance.com or visit hillcountryalliance.org.

Participants will learn about Axis deer biology, ecology and the impact of free-range populations on the Texas Hill Country.

In 2019, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Joyce Moore told Texas Hunting Times that Axis deer and other free-ranging exotic ungulates — large mammals with hooves — pose a significant threat to Hill Country ecosystems through a unique ability to adapt breeding seasons and forage preferences. These ‘adaptations’ have allowed them to expand their range to habitats historically occupied only by native species.

The Hill Country Alliance is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country.