Fewer deer sightings this season linked to weather and food availability

Hunters may have noticed fewer deer sightings this season, and there are biological reasons for the change, according to wildlife experts.

Warmer-than-normal temperatures and a bumper acorn crop reduce daytime deer movement. When natural food sources are plentiful, deer don’t need to travel as far or as often to feed, resulting in fewer visible animals.

Despite the decline in sightings, deer numbers are believed to remain stable. Wildlife officials emphasize that lower visibility does not equate to a decrease in population. Instead, deer are spreading out across available food sources and moving less during daylight hours.

As the season progresses and food becomes scarcer, deer are expected to increase their movement. Hunter participation remains crucial for managing deer populations and maintaining healthy habitats, officials said.

Photograph: Jacob Brumfield

Source: Original Article