Winterthur: Roe deer gently driven from cemetery into the forest
At the Rosenberg cemetery, around twelve roe deer feed on, among other things, fresh grave decorations and the planting of graves and the grounds. To counter the damage, Stadtgrün Winterthur organised an action to drive the roe deer back into the adjacent Lindberg forest.
On the morning of 18 February 2025, around 120 Stadtgrün employees, in a coordinated and approved operation agreed with the cantonal fisheries and hunting authority, drove the roe deer living on the Rosenberg cemetery back into the adjacent Lindberg forest.
On two preceding days, Stadtgrün had used drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to count how many roe deer were moving across the grounds and where they were resting. The fence in the north-western section of the cemetery was temporarily removed, and the entire cemetery grounds were combed from the east by coordinated driving groups communicating via radio. Particular attention was paid to carrying out the drive as slowly and calmly as possible, so that the roe deer would not be startled into panicked flight but could instead move slowly westward into the forest. A positive example of wildlife-friendly wildlife management without culling.
Three roe deer successfully returned to the forest
Two roe deer and one roebuck were spotted leaving the cemetery grounds during the driving operation and returning to their natural habitat, the adjacent forest. The remaining roe deer had apparently left the grounds beforehand. Neither animals nor people were injured during the operation. Following the drive, Stadtgrün employees reinstalled the fences.
Cemetery as an Ideal Habitat for Roe Deer
The reason for the displacement action is repeated complaints from mourners and bereaved visitors. The roe deer, which have migrated in from the adjacent forest, have a particular fondness for eating fresh grave decorations and newly planted grave arrangements, causing considerable damage to grave designs in the process. Cemetery staff from Stadtgrün have already tried various animal-friendly measures, such as spraying fresh grave decorations with biological, insect- and bee-friendly repellents, but unfortunately without lasting success. While some repellents need to be reapplied after every rain shower — with the deer usually acting faster — the strong odour and the red staining of other products is a nuisance not only to the deer. Cemetery staff have also attempted to offer the deer their preferred grasses and herbs through targeted so-called forage seeding. However, the cemetery deer largely reject this natural food offering.
The cemetery represents a near-ideal habitat for roe deer. The animals find ample cover and an abundance of food within the finely structured grounds. Since cemetery visitors generally pose no threat and dogs in particular are prohibited on the premises, the deer are rarely startled and have become very accustomed to people. Many cemetery visitors also take pleasure in the sight of the animals. The Geneva model demonstrates that wildlife and people can coexist peacefully even in urban areas.
Because the grounds are so attractive to roe deer, it must be assumed that deer will return to the cemetery. Even the smallest unnoticed gaps in the fence, or doors and gates left open, are sufficient for these slender animals to slip through. The entire fence surrounding the cemetery grounds has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired and heightened. Stadtgrün specialists will monitor the situation and take appropriate measures again if needed, with the aim of maintaining a sound and acceptable balance between the roe deer population and damage to facilities and plants. More on hobby hunting and alternative approaches.
