Deer overpopulation has become a significant problem in suburban areas. With decreased predator populations, and decreased competition for food and shelter, there is an absence of effective population contol for White-tailed Deer. To read more about how this might affect you and your community and figure out how to help, please read our article about deer overpopulation.
-----
The Economic, human, and ecological impacts of deer overabundance continue to rise:
· In Maryland, deer vehicle collisions cost an estimated $28 million
· In Howard County, an estimated $4.8 million of damage was done to residential and commercial landscaping
· Deer reduce native plant bio diversity of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, etc.
Overview of Deer Impacts & Effectiveness of Lethal & Non-Lethal Management Options George Timko, MD DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service, and Jonathan Kays
· Trends in deer vehicle-collisions, lyme disease, agricultural & residential landscape damage. Fencing, repellents, vegetation management, population management
Accokeek Community Program, Holly Wagner & Byron Williams, Citizens in the Community
1 - Managing a Volunteer Operated Managed Hunt, Lessons Learned from 4 Successful Seasons
2 - Accokeek Community Deer Management Program
3 - Establishment and Organization of a Volunteer Managed Hunt: Lessons Learned from Four Successful Seasons
All information was retrieved from UMD Extension Forest Stewardship Education. Click here to view the presentation powerpoints given at the Suburban Deer Management Workshop on May 26, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lymes Disease
Lack of top predators such as wolves and coyotes to keep down mice and deer population and increasing suburban encroachment into previously forested areas has allowed the invasive alien lymes disease to enter the tick-mice-deer cycle and poses increasing threat to outdoor activities. Click here for information about Lymes Disease.
One good way to become more familiar with outdoors safety is through a local camp. Several are offered in our area, including a children's camp run by Bill Kaczor. Some helpful links are listed below for examples of specific camps in our area.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
