Recently I saw a TV show where deer hunters went into extremely wealthy neighborhoods in attempt to lower populations. How real it was or was not, the point still was that all across the U.S., urban deer have access to nearly unlimited food without any predators, other than cars. In today's research I am trying to look at the impact that deer can have in an urban setting and how humans interact with them.
One of the largest problems when talking about deer and human interactions is car accidents. In Iowa alone each year millions of dollars of damage are caused to vehicles in crashes involving deer. Not only can these crashes cause damage they can cause injury or death in some cases. Another major problem that deer bring to humans are the threat of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread through deer ticks which feed on human and animals blood. Not surprisingly deer carry these deer ticks and can carry them into populated areas. There are all sorts of symptoms that can come with Lyme Disease, from rashes to seizures. Just as in rural areas, deer in urban and suburban areas eat the plants in peoples yards. From their flowers and trees to vegetable gardens, deer can eliminate large numbers of plants from gardens.
There are a number of reasons as to why deer have a negative impact on our daily lives. Can we forget the fact that we built our cities in the deer's environment? There is no way to eliminate the problems associated with deer, We will always have to compromise. Wildlife will always be part of our culture, and it is our job to ensure that wildlife is still there for generations to come.
Insightful. So, do you agree that at certain times, more deer hunting options need to open up to thin the population? Would that lead to other issues?
ReplyDeleteHere in Iowa the DNR has done a great job at limiting the herd to a level that they would like it over the last decade. The DNR has actually begun to eliminate deer seasons recently and limit the deer harvested each year because the populations have begun to level out.
ReplyDeleteUrban bowhunting has taken off in areas where it is allowed. It is a useful tool in keeping populations that aren't able to be conventionally hunted, in check. Dubuque, IA runs one of the best urban deer hunting programs in the state. You can also ask the city of Clive about their program.
ReplyDeleteAt one point I remember seeing hunters in Water Works Park, is that still being done?
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