Deer Activity In Spring

White-tailed deer are most active during the spring season; and whether homeowners are gardeners or not, deer movement poses a serious health issue for family members and pets. 

White-tailed deer are the most common carriers of ticks in the United States; and ticks carry tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and the Powassan Virus. When homeowners invite deer onto properties, they are allowing deer to drop ticks into backyards. The backyard is where pets and children play the most in the springtime; and this is where they will be most at risk for tick infection. 

Children and pets are just as likely to transmit Lyme as adults. Dogs with symptoms of Lyme will experience weak muscles; excessive drooling and lethargy. The dog Lyme symptoms can last for several weeks or months. Cats, on the other hand, will experience lameness for only a few days!

In order to keep our pets and family members safe, it makes sense that we need to incorporate deer management into our planning this spring. Homeowners are encouraged to build a fence to keep out wildlife. (Homeowners will need to build a 7.5-8' high fence for deer exclusion.)