Deer Crossing Ahead
By Brian J. MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Purdue University |
|
| |
|
As a child growing up in rural St. Joe County, I can vividly recall the feeling of excitement when the occasional deer visited our backyard. It’s hard to believe now, but we actually placed salt licks out to attract deer for viewing. I still enjoy the sight of a white-tailed deer, but things are a lot different today –internet, iPods, and yes, more deer. Estimating the size of wildlife populations is a difficult task in most cases. Currently, experts estimate about 30 million white-tailed deer throughout its range. There are probably more white-tailed deer in North America today than at the time of European settlement. In Indiana, the total deer harvested today exceeds by many times the numbers harvested during my days of youth in the 1970s (Figure 1).
According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur in the United States each year, resulting in about 150 deaths and over $1 billion in vehicle damage. In 2002, the average cost of a collision was $2,000.
While deer-vehicle collisions can happen any time of year, October to December is the peak. This increase coincides with the peak of the breeding season. The social interactions during the breeding season results in increased movements and lack of attentiveness (those bucks have one thing on their minds) in deer. More deer moving about translates to more deer crossing roads. While hunting may alter deer behavior, hunting in of itself does not increase their distance of movements. Most collisions occur from dusk to dawn on high speed rural roads. In Indiana, if a deer dies following a collision with a motor vehicle, a conservation officer, DNR property manager or other law enforcement officer may issue a permit to an individual to possess the deer.
Don’t Waste Your Money
Many tactics have been tried over the years to reduce collisions. Most of these have proved ineffective, or at least need more investigation. One common approach that does not work is the deer whistle. Deer whistles are attached to vehicles and emit high frequency noise at moderate to fast speeds. The noise presumably frightens the deer. While manufacturers contend that deer can hear the whistles up to a quarter mile away, published studies have not verified their effectiveness or whether or not deer can even hear them.
What can I do?
There is no foolproof way to prevent deer-vehicle collisions. Hunting is the most biologically and economically effective method of maintaining Indiana’s deer herd at an optimal level. Reducing the herd, while an easy solution to some, is a complicated matter. For example according to a DNR survey, about half of Indiana residents desire more deer and half want less deer. Moreover, according to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, Indiana deer hunters and people who watch deer bring $168 million into the state’s economy. Fencing deer from roadways has been proven most effective so far at reducing accidents at specific locations, but it is very costly to construct and maintain. They certainly are not a feasible solution in most situations.
So what do you do? There are some common-sense precautions all drivers can take to reduce the risk of deer-vehicle collisions. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following driving tips.
- Be vigilant in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
- Use your high-beam headlights.
- Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
- Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve. It can confuse the deer as to where to run. It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
- Be alert and drive with caution when you are moving through a deer crossing zone.
- Obey posted speed limits and always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
- Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer seldom run alone.
Which Plant is Best
By Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University |
|
One of the most common questions I receive from landowners is, “what type of tree or shrub should I plant for wildlife?” Like most questions I receive, my answer usually begins with that dreaded phrase, “well, it depends.” My wife may accuse me of dodging the question, but there really is more to it. Factors that influence your selection will be what type of wildlife are you interested in? Do you live in a rural or urban landscape? What type of soil do you have? Will the area be used for any other uses? I try and avoid advocating “the best” plant for wildlife because there is no magical wildlife plant out there. Everybody’s situation is also a bit different. Not only are the questions above a factor, but some folks like the look of some things more than others.
Rather than ending this story, however, I can provide a few guidelines and suggestions applicable for everyone. If you force me into a corner to list my “top” wildlife trees, I would lean towards hard-mast producing species. The oaks would be at the top of this list. North America’s calling card to the tree world is our diversity of oaks. They are a good wildlife tree because many critters relish the acorns they produce. They also provide natural cavities for wildlife. American beech, hickories, and black walnut are also good nut producers. I would place the viburnumns (for example, arrowwood) and dogwoods at the top of my list. Both groups produce fruits relished by many wildlife species. The following are some basic concepts to follow when selecting your plants for wildlife.
Diversity
In general, wildlife will respond to increased structural and species diversity. Thus, the more types of trees and shrubs you select, the better off you will be.
Limiting Factors
Look around you. If some of the plants I listed above or others listed in the publications below aren’t found in your neighborhood, they either aren’t adapted to your area or no one has planted them. Too often newer developments focus on a few species of little value to wildlife such as Bradford pear, white ash, and sugar maple. While the ash and maple are native species and have their place for wildlife, creating neighborhoods with a few of these species sprinkled about is less than ideal for wildlife. Yes, I am stepping off of my soapbox.
Avoid Invasive Plants
It wasn’t too long ago that people like me were advocating planting invasive, non-native plants like bush honeysuckle, autumn olive or multi-flora rose. Today, most people accept the idea that these types of plants should be avoided. However, it is a good idea to know what these are and control them if necessary. Invasive plants spread and dominate an area. Unfortunately, their ability to do so can make them hard to eliminate or control. The Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (www.inpaws.org) has information on invasive plants in Indiana and some native alternatives. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/assistance/plantresources.html to find out more on invasive plants and pests in Indiana.
Once you have your plant(s) in mind, you need to find a place for it. That is a topic for another story. For more information about trees, shrubs and other plants for wildlife, see the following resources.
Other Information
Calendar, http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu//fnr/html/Calendar.htm
|
