Deer Populations On The Rise In Suburban St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO — Deer populations are on the rise in suburban St. Louis, according to a report from St. Louis Public Radio. As natural habitats are being cleared, the animals are taking refuge in residential neighborhoods, where food is abundant and predators few and far between, wildlife experts say.

As populations rise, deer may increasingly stray into family gardens in search of food, and the chance for run-ins with motor vehicles increases drastically. Missouri drivers are at high risk for collisions with deer, according to State Farm insurance. Last year, drivers across the state hit more than 4,600 deer, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Six people were killed and 455 injured in those crashes, with the majority of crashes taking place in the fall.

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Deer populations have almost doubled in St. Louis County since 2014, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, with the highest concentrations around Wildwood, Sunset Hills, Des Peres, Manchester and Ellisville. Town and Country used to have one of the highest population densities in the county — but not since the municipality passed an ordinance authorizing limited hunting last year. The MDC allowed the city to cull up to 400 deer on private property, with meat being donated to the St. Louis Area Foodbank. A study found deer populations in Town and County were more than cut in half as a result, hitting the city's target of less than 30 deer per square mile.

Many other county municipalities allow regulated bow-hunting during the fall season, from September 15 to November 9 and from November 21 to January 15. St. Louis Public Radio reports nearly 1,000 dear are killed every year during bow-hunting season.

State officials caution drivers to slow down when you see deer on the side of the road and proceed with caution.

"Deer often travel in groups — stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer," said Highway Patrol Col. Sandra Karsten. "Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, look for more deer to cross roadways."

"Deer behavior changes due to mating season, which may cause an increase in sightings and roadway crossings," Karsten continued. "Hunting and crop harvesting may result in these animals being in places they aren’t usually seen."

Have you seen more deer than usual around your neighborhood? Let us know in the comments.

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