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Deer Season

Published Dec. 11, 2009 at 3:16 a.m.

Deer-motorist collisions have become an increasing problem near parks and especially near Fort McClellan. There, a controlled hunt is planned on the former Army base to help trim the population.

Not a new method to those in the area, after Oak Mountain State Park started similar hunts four years ago as increases in developments pushed more deer into the park boundaries.

Oak Mountain State Park Ranger Matthew Crum says deer are being pushed out of their previous habitats creating an over-population of deer within the park.  As more and more deer populate the same area, they compete with one another for the same food.

"The food levels are down for these deer, and the deer herd becomes unhealthy, very skinny, very small," says Crum.

Crum says the hunts have shown progress, as this year's deer have looked healthier than in past years.  However, that progress doesn't eliminate the dangers both deer and motorists face on the roadways around the park.

Crum explains, "You hear a lot about deer being run into by vehicles, and a lot of times that's because deer have to move.  Deer have to move a long ways to get their food."

Experts say some of the safest measures of prevention are the simplest.  Keep to those speed limits, especially at night.  And when on narrow roadways or in heavily wooded areas, use your high-beams.  Another tip is to look for the glimmer of light from animals' eyes know as "eye shine."  And keep a watch from above, as well.  Collisions with owls and other birds of prey are just as common as with deer.




Back | Read more at CBS 42

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