Why are so many deer attracted to Oakland Hills neighborhood?

"All those theories are valid and could be responsible for the influx of deer. It's most likely a combination of factors. I think the Covid effect is the least pertinent. The population might have started expanding during those long months of Covid and the lock-down, but we've pretty much returned to our normal routine in the past five years. Deer populations rise and fall depending on a number of things, such as predators and disease."

"If there's been heavy construction in the area, that could also push deer into new areas. The availability of food and water can also be a factor. If I had to put a wager on the cause, I'd say it's the neighborhood and the people who live there. It's a rural area where people and traffic are less than in a more urban area, and most of the residents are accommodating, welcoming the deer and taking extra steps to enhance their safety."

Local deer numbers have increased likely due to multiple interacting causes. Population dynamics respond to predators and disease, and heavy construction can displace deer into new neighborhoods. Availability of food and water attracts and sustains deer. Rural areas with lower traffic and less human disturbance provide safer habitat for deer to settle. Resident tolerance and protective measures such as deer-crossing signs and restrained interactions encourage deer to remain comfortable near homes. The Covid lockdown may have temporarily contributed to population growth, but normal routines have largely resumed, making pandemic-related effects less likely to be the primary driver.

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