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Questions and Answers
White-tailed deer populations almost went extinct early in the 20th century.
False
The disappearance of natural predators such as wolves and cougars contributed to the increase in white-tailed deer populations.
True
A group of seven deer introduced to an island in Rhode Island grew to a population of 700 in just 27 years.
True
Of the 11 national parks studied near Washington, D.C., all had densities lower than 16 deer per square kilometer.
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Deer overpopulation is only a problem in urban areas.
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Deer can cause damage to plant life by eating plants slower than new plants can grow.
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When old trees die, more young trees remain alive to replace them.
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Non-native species do not harm forest ecosystems.
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Deer overpopulation has no impact on sustainable forests.
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Deer only eat plants in forests and not in suburban or urban areas.
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Deer do not carry ticks that can introduce zoonotic diseases.
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Building fences to keep deer out of certain areas is a humane option.
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Killing deer is the only effective solution to reduce deer overpopulation.
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The substance for blocking breeding hormones in deer works indefinitely.
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Fences can allow the movement of other animals that need to pass through.
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The population growth in white-tailed deer has no impact on ecosystems.
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Study Notes
White-tailed Deer Populations
- White-tailed deer nearly went extinct in the early 20th century.
- The absence of natural predators like wolves and cougars led to a population surge in white-tailed deer.
- A small group of seven deer introduced to an island in Rhode Island increased to 700 in 27 years.
Deer Population Density
- In a study of 11 national parks near Washington, D.C., all had deer densities lower than 16 per square kilometer.
- Deer overpopulation is primarily an issue in urban areas.
Ecological Impact of Deer
- Deer can damage plant life by consuming vegetation slower than it can regrow.
- Old trees dying can result in a greater survival rate of younger trees, supporting forest regeneration.
- Non-native species generally do not harm forest ecosystems, contradicting common perceptions.
Misconceptions about Deer Overpopulation
- Deer overpopulation is erroneously thought to have no consequences for sustainable forests.
- It is a misconception that deer restrict their feeding to forests and do not graze in suburban or urban areas.
- Deer are incorrectly believed to be free of ticks that transmit zoonotic diseases.
Management Strategies
- Constructing fences can humanely deter deer while allowing other wildlife to pass.
- Although some consider culling as the only effective method to reduce deer numbers, alternatives exist.
- Hormonal treatments can indefinitely block deer breeding, presenting a non-lethal management option.
- The overall impact of white-tailed deer population growth on ecosystems remains a contentious topic.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the overpopulation of white-tailed deer and its impact on ecosystems in the United States. Explore the history of white-tailed deer population and its current status.
