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Deer

All articles tagged with #deer

Deer Glow: Ultraviolet Signposts Reveal Hidden Forest Communication
science7 days ago

Deer Glow: Ultraviolet Signposts Reveal Hidden Forest Communication

University of Georgia researchers found that white-tailed deer rubs and ground scrapes glow under ultraviolet light (365 and 395 nm), suggesting deer may communicate using UV-visible ‘signposts’ in the forest. Irradiance measurements showed these spots were brighter than the surroundings, though whether the glow comes from deer secretions, plant compounds, or both remains unclear. The study analyzed 109 rubs and 37 scrapes in a Whitehall Forest during two fall surveys in 2024, and the findings point to a possible new form of deer communication, published in Ecology and Evolution.

Wolves Return, Cougars Pivot to Deer in Yellowstone
science20 days ago

Wolves Return, Cougars Pivot to Deer in Yellowstone

Six years of remote cameras and kill data from Yellowstone show that after wolves were reintroduced, cougars avoid wolf‑kill zones and favor deer, aided by terrain that allows escape. The elk portion of cougar diets fell from about 80% (1998–2005) to 52% (2016–2024) while deer rose from 15% to 42%; younger, smaller females hunt more deer, older and larger males still tackle elk. The findings highlight how two top predators can reshuffle prey choices and stress the importance of prey diversity for coexistence, with implications for wildlife management where wolves and cougars coexist.

Britain's Deer Dilemma
environment2 months ago

Britain's Deer Dilemma

Britain's deer population has surged to around two million, causing significant ecological, agricultural, and road safety issues, prompting calls for more aggressive management strategies including culling, fencing, and rewilding with predators like wolves and lynx, though these solutions face social and logistical challenges.

Chronic Wasting Disease Spreads Further in Tennessee
environment2 months ago

Chronic Wasting Disease Spreads Further in Tennessee

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Tennessee whitetail deer is spreading eastward, with the first positive test in Wayne County confirming its presence in 20 counties. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency maintains restrictions on carcass movement and feeding within the CWD Management Zone to control its spread, and hunters are encouraged to participate in testing programs to aid surveillance efforts.

Multiple States Detect 'Zombie Deer Disease' in Wildlife
health4 months ago

Multiple States Detect 'Zombie Deer Disease' in Wildlife

Florida has detected its second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer near the Georgia border, prompting a disease response plan. CWD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and related species, with no known cure or vaccine, and is being addressed through federal research funding. The disease has garnered public attention and misinformation, with some confusing it with harmless skin growths called fibromas, often called 'zombie deer'.

Viral Deer Disease Spreads Across Multiple Counties, Authorities Urge Public Vigilance
health5 months ago

Viral Deer Disease Spreads Across Multiple Counties, Authorities Urge Public Vigilance

The Pennsylvania Gaming Commission reports outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer across Mercer, Lawrence, Butler, and Erie counties, caused by infected midges, with no current treatments available. The bluetongue virus (BT) also affects deer, causing severe symptoms and potential death, but some deer survive with chronic issues. Domestic livestock can also be affected, and wildlife populations typically recover within a few years.

Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreaks Affect Deer in Multiple States
environment5 months ago

Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreaks Affect Deer in Multiple States

Several counties in Maryland are experiencing an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) among white-tailed deer, caused by a virus transmitted through midges, with no threat to humans. The disease is common annually and typically resolves with the onset of cold weather, and affected deer should not be consumed if they have open sores. Authorities advise reporting sick or dead deer to local wildlife offices.

EHD Detected in Deer Across Four Michigan Counties
environment5 months ago

EHD Detected in Deer Across Four Michigan Counties

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the first cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in deer for 2025, found in four counties including West Michigan, with the disease being transmitted through midge bites and not contagious to humans or pets. EHD is often fatal but deer can develop immunity, and the DNR advises reporting suspected cases and consuming healthy-appearing venison. The disease tends to appear late summer to early fall, especially after wet springs and hot, dry summers.