Deer Population Exploding?

[coasty]

Is it me or is it a fact?,... I have to travel around the country with my work and over the last few years the number of Deer I see seems to have grown hugely,, During the 80s and into the 90s if I saw a deer it was unusual yet now I seem to see them very often,,,

Is this supported by surveys?. Yesterday I was on a train from York to Peterborough and saw 3 small groups of Roe. Out in Daylight...

I know that populations have increased but it seems to me the degree of increase is very large.

[nightshade]

I count the road kills,not very nice I know, it does give a good indicator of
the deer population.This year many more fawns and youngsters.

[aeshna5]

I've heard it said on several occasions now that there are now more deer than any other time historically. Though on the one hand it's good that they are doing well, there are the negative effects on vegetation + other fauna. A few Lynx, etc would help a balance.

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

A few Lynx, etc would help a balance.

Wouldnt that be just great. Have tried seeing Lynx in Spain but failed.

The Deer population here appears to have grown, no statistical data but just an increase in sightings especially Roe & Muntjac.

Paul

[demicav]

I'm sure in the days before roads, concrete and the explosion in humans, Deer were much more numerous. If they are increasing in this number now then conflict with people is more likely. I vote for Deers .

[Hobjob]

The number of deer has grown, but I think behaviour has changed too.

When I came to suffolk 28 year ago the only munkjac I saw, all had the
the disapearing white tail visible - now they will watch you and continue
browsing until you get within about 50m.

This morning on my way in to Minsmere 4 red deer (1st year does), didn't
want to move off the road until I almost had to nudge them. Normally they
skit away at the sight of humans.

[Blackbrook Eye]

Roe deer are a common sight grazing in the fields around Melton Mowbray, we passed several groups while on the way to Grantham, and that was ten o'clock in the morning, just a few days ago.

[Deerhunter]

Red Deer on Exmoor have generally stayed at the same number for the past 40 years. That is all I can be sure of !!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by demicav

I'm sure in the days before roads, concrete and the explosion in humans, Deer were much more numerous. If they are increasing in this number now then conflict with people is more likely. I vote for Deers .

Many of the deer species were brought in by man. Fallow Deer were possibly brought in by Romans, though it's generally agreed it's with the Normans that it became established. Sika + Muntjac are much more recent introductions + both are doing very well, though former is more restricted in range. The tiny Chinese Water Deer isa nother recent restriction but population is small + not as far as I know problematic.

Yes, deer are coming into conflict more- farming + forestry conflict, road casualties + even with nature conservation.