White-tailed Deer
Deer
Since we have returned from our trip, Norma and I have seen 4 deer every day in our yard here at home. Although very pretty, deer populations in Nova Scotia are increasing quite rapidly and are a problem in many areas – particularly where human habitation has encroached on their habitat.
Some people have taken to feeding deer and other mammals, which only increases the problem. Feeding wildlife can be a health risk to you and your family. Rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and deer act as hosts for Blacklegged Ticks, carriers of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. In areas like ours, where Blacklegged Ticks are well established, it has been stressed by the Government not to feed wildlife. As well, feeding wild animals brings them into closer contact with humans, and makes it dangerous for the animals near roads. We have seen already a raccoon and a deer dead on the road near our place, victims of the increasing traffic in our area, but also victims of people having drawn the animals into close contact with our busy streets.
Pretty to look at in the wild, but that’s where one should be going to see these beautiful creatures, not having been lured into residential areas!
