Rural
7 April, 2025
Deer breeding season a call for community action
With deer breeding season fast approaching, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road as well as increased activity and damage across Australia’s landscapes, including in suburban streets.
Dr. Annelise Wiebkin, National Deer Management Coordinator, says feral deer cause serious damage in farmland, native bushland, and urban areas. She highlights that breeding season is a particularly critical time to notice their presence and manage their impacts.
“Feral deer activity will intensify in the coming weeks, so people may see deer more often or even for the first time in a new area. It’s important the community reports sightings on the free DeerScan app. We have a small window of opportunity to track their spread and support control efforts, particularly in areas where feral deer numbers are still low,” Dr. Wiebkin explained.
“Feral deer trash and eat native vegetation, ringbark trees, create wallows, trample undergrowth, and spread weed seeds, all things that threaten the survival of native flora and fauna,” Dr. Wiebkin said.
The Centre’s Chief Executive Officer, Shauna Chadlowe, warns that feral deer are becoming an increasing concern to communities across the country, with extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and fires—pushing them into new areas.
“It’s astonishing—deer have now spread to every state and territory in Australia. In fact, nearly a quarter of New South Wales and Tasmania, and almost half of Victoria are now home to established populations. Their numbers have increased tenfold in recent decades,” she said.
“We need everyone to stay alert. Every Australian can play a role by reporting feral deer sightings or signs, like tracks and damage. These reports are crucial—they help drive coordinated efforts to control new deer populations before they spiral out of control. By acting now, we can stop their spread and save Australia millions of dollars each year,” she added.
Feral deer also hit the farming community hard. Ted Rowley, Independent Chair of the National Feral Deer Action Plan Committee, underscores the importance of control efforts. “Farmers are fed up: deer cause $69 million in agricultural productivity losses and $4.5 million in vehicle and train collisions each year. The Plan is key to stopping these losses,” he said.
Jenny O’Sullivan, champion of Victoria’s Cape Liptrap community deer control group, says, “The free DeerScan app is really important for our community group. Reported sightings enable us to know where the deer are moving about in our community and to focus our control efforts more effectively.”
