What are our options in preserving deer populations and decreasing auto incidents?

Question

Are there any options for preserving deer populations that will allow us to decrease auto accidents? While I absolutely fear hitting another deer and I can't stand it when they run out on me while I'm driving, I also think they are some of the most precious and beautiful beings. There's got to be a better way for both humans and deer to exist together.

I live in a rapidly expanding piece of suburbia in New Jersey and the more development, the more "deer fear" when driving at night. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to environmental issues, all I know is to recycle, so any information regarding the preservation of deer populations will be greatly appreciated. Even keywords I could look up to find current discussion of this issue are welcomed. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Part of the problem is that the deer population is in no way endangered. There is in fact an overabundance of them. Before humans eradicated their natural predators the population density of deer was lower.

According to an article I read in the Audubon magazine the population of deer is also high because the hunting lobby has campaigned to keep it that way so deer will be easy to find during hunting season. Since there are few natural predators, this is done by setting limits and season lengths.

While it may be upsetting to think that the only way to keep the population of deer at a healthy level (where they are not overgrazing the land and getting in the way of cars) is to kill some of them, the sad result of this overpopulation may be the increase of chronic wasting disease (similar to mad cow disease) among deer.

You might want to contact your state's fish and game department and find out what their policies on deer population levels are. Organizations such as SPCA and PETA may also have some thoughts on the issue.

Oh one more thing. I have seen devices that attach to the fenders of your car. They are ultrasonic whistles that operate when your car goes over a certain speed. Supposedly the deer can hear them and may flee when they do. I don't know how well they work by I have friends who use them.

Answer 2

Deer populations don't need to be preserved since we have taken away their natural predators (mountain lions and that sort). We have introduced a new predator, called the vehicle, that kills them, but not fast enough to make their populations decrease significantly. The best way to preserve them would be to have fewer human children and stop expanding into their natural habitat.

Answer 3

Fences and deer whistles. Ever hit a deer? I have and it isn't fun. I always use deer whistles on my cars.

Answer 4

Drive carefully especially in the animal kingdom!