Recently, there has been an increase in the number of reports of sick or dead deer around the Ranch. We reached out to Fish and Wildlife, and it seems that while there are several causes, the intended kindness of our friends and neighbors might be a contributing factor. According to Fish and Wildlife, the deer population is currently 2-3 times higher than average. That is due to the last few years of higher-than-average rainfall and plants, people feeding/watering deer, and the reluctance of predators to venture into neighborhoods.
Dogs
There is evidence of deer being chased by domestic dogs, crashing into fences, and sustaining serious injuries. Dogs also keep predators away. Feeding and giving deer water brings them closer to where they may come in contact with domestic animals.
Disease
The increased population contributes to the spread of communicable diseases, especially as deer gather where they are being fed or given water. Deer can sometimes be affected by a group of illnesses known as hemorrhagic diseases (HD). Here in California, Deer adenovirus is the most common and serious. It can be especially dangerous for fawns and young deer, but it can also affect adults. In some cases, it has caused large die-offs of deer.
What Homeowners Can Do
- Do not provide food, water, or salt licks to deer or other wildlife. These practices encourage unnatural congregations that spread disease.
- Avoid handling carcasses or coming into contact with bodily fluids.
- If you find a dead deer or observe unusual behavior, do not touch the animal.
Report sightings to the appropriate wildlife authorities below: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report
Prevention is the most effective tool—please refrain from providing wildlife with food or water, as shared sources are one of the main ways this disease spreads. By leaving wildlife wild, we can help reduce the spread of this deadly disease.
For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring#619054265-deer-hemorrhagic-diseases
