The deer placeholder effect is based on the territorial nature of deer. Outsiders are discouraged from entering the established range of resident does. A sterile doe will defend her territory, reducing the immigration of fertile deer into an area managed by non-lethal methods. This research is documented in a peer reviewed paper [page 159], based on observations documented by some representative images on this page.


As part of an effort to encourage deer to migrate into the Villages -- a community in San Jose, California -- after a sterilization program reduced the deer population below the community's desired level, fences were modified to allow outside deer to enter. The images on this page show a sterilized deer, tagged as number 53, blocking entrance of an untagged deer from outside the community. At another interface, outside does challenge tagged does who come into their territory.


In the image below, Doe 53 can be seen intimidating a doe from outside the community. The fence marks the boundary of the community.

At another fence opening, tagged does were entering a field that had previously been restricted by fencing. Conflict develops at the boundary of this deer territory.

Tagged and untagged doe in field 11300228 (2) (1).AVI

A similar effect is observed in coyote populations, Mississippi State University assistant professor Dr. Marcus Lashley says: “A number of studies have shown that the alpha female is very good at defending her territory and keeping other coyotes away. If you kill her, others will move in and fight over the territory. You may actually end up with more coyotes than you had to begin with,” ...


Deer sterilization gains momentum in several states: What about Ohio? May 8, 2015 Ohio, North Ridgefield Press

... The procedure, which is reportedly less invasive than spaying of cats and dogs, permanently prevents pregnancy and estrus cycles in does... Feinberg sees fewer fawns and neighbor complaints about browsing significantly dropped. According to Feinberg, does that are not pregnant or lactating require less food. She also says there are very few new deer coming into the area because the sterilized does continue to maintain their home ranges...


Another video below of Doe 53 pushing an untagged doe out of her territory.

Looks like Doe 53 pushing untagged out 12080700.AVI

Deer sterilization gains momentum in several states: What about Ohio? May 8, 2015 Ohio, North Ridgefield Press

... The procedure, which is reportedly less invasive than spaying of cats and dogs, permanently prevents pregnancy and estrus cycles in does... Feinberg sees fewer fawns and neighbor complaints about browsing significantly dropped. According to Feinberg, does that are not pregnant or lactating require less food. She also says there are very few new deer coming into the area because the sterilized does continue to maintain their home ranges...


Deer management in Oak Bay is proceeding according to plan August 16, 2018 British Columbia, Oak Bay News

... In September, an immuno-contraceptive vaccine will be administered to some of the uncollared Oak Bay does, with a booster administered a few weeks later prior to the rutting season... The idea is to reduce and stabilize the deer population by cutting the birth rate, and without opening up space for deer from surrounding populations to simply move in...

The deer placeholder effect has also been observed at a project started in 2011 in Baltimore County, Maryland. From their website: "We observed how they [deer] continue to stay together and the surgery does not change their family dynamic. We know that even though they still reside in the community, they serve as infertile placeholders who help keep out new deer while consuming much less."


The videos below, taken a few days later than the image at left, shows the sequence of Doe 53 pushing the untagged doe out of the community. Times on the two different cameras were not perfectly synchronized, so the time on one of the cameras was off a little.

Tagged doe pusing untagged out at stables 06150559 (1).AVI

Below a view from another camera.

Doe 53 chases untagged doe out 06150166.AVI

A few moment later, Doe 53 appears to be guarding her territory.

Doe 53 in untagged out 06150168.AVI

In this later episode, again Doe 53 appears to push an untagged doe outside her territory. In the picture below the untagged doe from outsdide the area is looking to enter. Moments later chased away by Doe 53, a resident of the Villages. Video below.

Looks like Doe 53 pushing untagged out 12080700 (1).AVI

Some Waukee backyards are home to a very popular 'deer day care' July 27, 2018 Iowa, DesMoines Regtiser

... "What we tend to see with deer in urban areas, because their habitat is limited, is that a doe is quite comfortable in home range, and does that are related to each other are comfortable with each other. We call it a rose petal effect," ... Jim Coffey, an Iowa DNR forest wildlife biologist ...