Deer is an all-encompassing term used to signify a wide variety of hoofed animals, ranging from the common white-tailed deer to populations of mule deer, elk, and moose. Male deer grow and shed pairs of antlers each year. The mammal can be found living in nearly every type of landscape and climate and become major pests when they feed on crops, orchards, vineyards, and gardens.
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Most deer have gray or brown fur that changes with the seasons. White-tailed deer, the most common species of deer in the United States, are typically 6 to 7 feet in length and vary in weight from 80 pounds to 300 pounds. Adults have white underbellies and white markings around their eyes, noses, and the undersides of their tails. Deer fawns have white spots on their coats, which serve as camouflage. The most notable feature of male deer are their antlers.
Deer thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to swamps. The hooved mammal can be found grazing near farmlands, open fields, and in wooded areas, as well as in deserted regions and extremely cold climates. Most white-tailed deer thrive near human populations, living in forested areas on the edges of farms, pastures, and brush land.
Are deer known to enter homes or yards?
Deer are opportunistic feeders, which leads many to enter yards in search of new meals. Gardens, farmland crops, and fruit trees are preferred sources of food. As populations of deer grow in surrounding areas, the likelihood of the animal entering yards and farmlands increases exponentially.
Do deer harm people or property?
Though they are usually timid animals, some larger deer species can harm people if they feel threatened. Automobile accidents occur with frequency when deer and human territories overlap. Deer also endanger humans by carrying various parasites, including ticks. Ticks are known carriers of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Additionally, male deer rub their antlers against trees, which can result in costly damages. For instance, such rubbing may cause vineyard trees to collapse or die, causing a loss in profit.
Certain scare devices help keep deer from encroaching on human lawns. Fencing in gardens and fields can deter deer from eating important crops and damaging trees. Erecting posts around trees gives bucks another suitable structure on which to rub their antlers, which in turn protects the bark of trees. Never intentionally feed deer as this attracts other pest species, including raccoons, skunks, rodents, and rabbits, which can then lead to further damage to yards and homes.
As with any wild animal, deer behavior can be completely unpredictable. Contact local wildlife officials to help remove deer from property. Trained wildlife specialists at Critter Control help property owners establish integrated pest management plans that help keep deer away from human habitation.