Deer sightings increase in city parks
As the weather turns warmer and the days grow longer, deer sightings in city parks have been on the rise. Some residents are thrilled to see these beautiful creatures up-close, while others are concerned about the potential for harm.
Deer are typically shy animals that will try to avoid contact with humans whenever possible. However, as their natural habitat continues to shrink and they wander closer to populated areas, interactions between deer and people are becoming more common. While deer are not typically aggressive, they can cause serious damage if they feel threatened.
In addition to the potential for harm to people and property, deer can also spread disease. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Deer ticks thrive in warm, moist environments like city parks, and can easily attach themselves to people or pets who venture into these areas. Lyme disease can be serious if not treated early, so it is important to take precautions against exposure when visiting areas where deer are common.
There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of exposure to deer ticks and Lyme disease:
-Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking in wooded areas or city parks -Tuck your pants into your socks -Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing -Check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors -Remove any ticks you find with a tick remover or by using fine-tipped tweezers
BREAKING: Deer found dead on University of Michigan campus
Deer carcasses have been discovered on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. The deer were found dead just outside of the William Monroe Trotter School of Afro-American and African Studies building.
Officials believe that the deer were struck by a car, as there were no visible signs of gunshot wounds or other injuries. This is not the first time that deer have been found dead on campus; however, this is the first time that multiple deer have been found in such a short amount of time.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ed Golder says that it's not uncommon for deer to wander onto college campuses. "It's not unusual for them to be on campus," Golder said. "They're looking for food."
The deer carcasses have since been removed from the scene.
Deer crossing signs being put up in popular deer areas
As deer populations continue to grow in many states, the need for measures to prevent vehicle-deer crashes is becoming increasingly important. One way that states are attempting to do this is by putting up deer crossing signs in popular deer areas.
In Minnesota, for example, state officials have been putting up deer crossing signs along Minnesota Highway 36, which runs through dense white-tailed deer country. The signs are part of a larger effort to improve safety on the road, which has seen an increase in the number of vehicle-deer crashes in recent years.
In addition to the signs, the state is also doing things like installing barriers along the sides of the road and increasing the number of wildlife crossings. Officials hope that these measures will help to reduce the number of crashes, which have resulted in nine deaths and 111 injuries over the past five years.
Similar efforts are underway in other states with large deer populations. In Wisconsin, transportation officials have been installing deer crossing signs on major highways throughout the state. And in Pennsylvania, where there are an estimated 1.5 million deer, officials are increasing the number of deer crossing lanes at busy intersections.
The goal is to make it easier for deer to get across the road without having to cross in front of oncoming traffic. In many cases, this means that motorists will need to slow down and wait until it is safe to proceed.
While it is still too early to know whether these measures are effective at reducing crashes, they seem like a common-sense solution that could help save lives. After all, as more and more people move into rural areas where deer are plentiful, it is only going to become more important to take steps to prevent collisions between cars and wildlife.
Another deer killed on local highway
For the third time this year, a deer has been killed on a local highway. Motorists are urged to be vigilant as deer attempt to cross the roadways. The most recent accident occurred on Sunday evening when a deer was hit by a car on Highway 101.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been at least nine accidents involving deer in our area. While motorists are encouraged to use caution when driving, it is also important for them to be aware that deer can suddenly appear on the roadway. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 1 million deer-related accidents each year in the United States.
While fatalities are not common, they do occur. In addition to being injured in accidents, motorists can also damage their vehicles if they hit a deer. So far this year, there have been over $10,000 worth of damages reported in our area as a result of collisions with deer.
In order to avoid hitting a deer, motorists should:
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Stay alert while driving, especially during dusk and dawn when deer are most active;
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Use high beams when possible;
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Slow down if you see one or more deer near or crossing the road; and
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Never try to swerve to avoid hitting a deer - you could lose control of your vehicle and end up in even more danger.
Deer becoming more and more common in suburbs
It's not unusual to spot a deer in a rural area, but their population is steadily increasing in suburban neighborhoods across the country. In fact, according to the National Wildlife Federation, deer populations have exploded in the past few decades; as of 2015, there were an estimated 30 million white-tailed deer living in the U.S.
There are many reasons for this population boom, including hunting restrictions and loss of habitat. And while deer may seem harmless and "cute," they can actually be quite dangerous when they wander into populated areas.
Deer are known for their powerful legs and sharp hooves, which can cause serious injury to people and pets. They can also damage cars and homes by rubbing up against them or jumping onto them.
In order to reduce the risk of collision with deer, it's important to be aware of their movements and take precautions when driving or walking in areas where they are common. Here are a few tips:
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Always be aware of your surroundings when driving, especially at dusk and dawn when deer are most active. Use caution when turning or braking, and make sure to use your high beams if there is another vehicle around you.
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If you see a deer on or near the road, slow down and give it plenty of room. Do not try to scare it off; you could end up hitting it instead.
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When hiking or walking in areas where deer are common, make lots of noise so you don't startle them. Try to avoid walking through dense vegetation where they might be hiding.
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Keep pet dogs on leashes when outside, and never let them chase or attack deer - even if the animals seem unafraid. Not only could your pet get hurt, but you could also unintentionally help lead a deer closer to populated areas.
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