Deer have been popping up more and more on Staten Island and have been a major nuisance to drivers and homeowners. But Where does this wildly growing population of deer live on the island, and how can we limit their destruction to our cars and property?
Deer Beds
Deer herds generally live in clearings in the woods referred to as deer beds. These clearings will usually have tall grass with many pockets tamped down within them. The pockets are where the deer rest. The tall grass provides insulation and camouflage, while the openness of the clearing allows the sun to warm the deer. Deer populations are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active in early mornings or around sundown. While it is not uncommon to see them at night or during the day, during these times. They prefer to bed down when the midday sun can provide the most warmth. Deer are also more likely to use areas close to wetlands or coniferous (nettled) trees. Wetlands provide water and abundant vegetation for food. Coniferous trees offer food year-round, and fallen nettles can provide warm bedding year-round.
Deer In The Headlights
Hitting a deer with your car can be a major problem. Deer can seriously damage your car, and the sudden hit can pose a serious danger for the people inside. Not to mention that you can seriously injure or even kill a deer with your car. These tips may help prevent you from hitting a deer or suffering from a serious injury because of a collision.
- Wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle.
- Drive at the posted speed limit.
- Drive with caution in wooded areas, and where deer crossing signs are posted.
- Dusk and dawn are higher risk times.
- If you see one deer, expect there to be more nearby.
- Don’t expect your headlights to deter deer.
- Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer. You may end up getting in a worse collision.
- Report any deer-vehicle collisions to the local police department.
- Stay alert and sober while driving.
Protecting Your Home from Deer
While deer aren’t likely to enter your home, they can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Shrubs, bushes, and young trees are particularly vulnerable to deer appetites. Deer have a habit of overeating from many landscaped plants, so they can do some serious damage to your shrubbery. An over-abundance of deer near your home can also lead to a growing risk of catching a tick. Ticks are small, arachnid parasites that clamp onto mammals and burrow their heads under the skin. They can also host a number of diseases, like Lyme disease.