Blue Ridge Country - November/December 2016 - 13

Creature Feature
lation that really got out of control in a hurry."
In response, hunting laws were loosened, and nonnative coyotes began taking the place of predatory
wolves, shifting the ecological balance once more. Today, although some reports estimate the number of deer
in Georgia at well over 1 million, there is no way to
tell exactly how many live there or in other Blue Ridge
states, says Killmaster. But the population has definitely
stabilized.
"We've seen the population skyrocket out of control
and then be brought down under control, mainly within the last five to eight years, to a more biologically appropriate state," he says. "For the majority of the state of
Georgia, we are right where we need to be for the deer to
be in perfect balance. And we're trying to keep it there."
Nevertheless, in some gated suburban communities
with lots of green space, deer may seem to be taking
over, while, according to wildlife experts, the population has once again dipped in the mountains. "I spoke
with a gentleman this morning who said he had three
deer in his back yard in the last few weeks, and that's
the first he's ever seen in his yard in 46 years," Killmaster says. "In some cases, it may be easier to encounter a
deer in your neighborhood or in your yard than hiking
the Appalachian Trail." 

Protect and Respect
Unlike many wild animals, white-tailed deer are generally
not a physical threat, says Charlie Killmaster, state deer
biologist for the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia
Dept. of Natural Resources. "Even in the [breeding season]
they'll normally run from you," he says. "Attacks by wild, freeranging deer are so rare it would be almost unheard of." Still,
Killmaster advises:
If you see one, keep your distance, respect its space and
don't try to approach it.
When driving, pay close attention to roadsides and drive
the speed limit, or below if visibility is poor, especially at
dawn and dusk. "We actually see a tremendous spike in deervehicle collisions during the peak of the breeding season
(October-January), when deer movement is at its greatest
and deer vigilance to danger is at its lowest point," Killmaster
says. Since the peak varies by state, and from county to county, go online to find state rutting maps alerting residents
where they might encounter more deer during that period.
Plant deer-tolerant landscaping plants to deter the animals from coming too close to your house and decimating
your garden. Research the best natural options for your area.
"[Chemical] repellants," says Killmaster, "don't always work."

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Moonshine on Main Street.
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Our historic General Francis Marion Hotel, "Song of The
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learn to make a guitar with the legendary Wayne Henderson.
All local. All authentic. All yours.

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A Virginia Main Street Community since 1995
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November/December 2016 13

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Blue Ridge Country - November/December 2016

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