Random, Random 2.0

[JazzNU]

How's the deer population near you @dry? I know your area isn't very high with the vaccinations and I'm not sure if that means people are out and about like they were in 2019 or if they've been staying in more often because they have the good sense to be more cautious about covid since they are unvaccinated.

Because during the heart of the pandemic, the deer population didn't die as it typically does each year because of so many less people out and about on the roads, which kills a healthy amount, and I don't think our hunting season was as robust as it typically is (which is a thing here in PA, for those that don't know the state, first day of hunting season was always considered a holiday in the west and central parts of the state, and schools and offices were closed accordingly). And I'm fairly certain there's been a carry over of that to now because in the last 3 weeks I've seen about 10 dead deer. Now, that number is slightly higher because I've had to take 2 road trips in that time and that increases what I will see, but still in the summertime when it's not their mating season? That's pretty darn high, they just aren't around like that usually this time of year. And this is not just here in PA, but in DE, MD, and NJ. So I think the population is just more than it typically is.

Point being, I'm not sure we're witnessing typical deer behavior right now. There might be more around than usual, and that could help to explain the unusual occurrences. That's the case around here, seeing way more than usual right now. Last weekend saw two just chilling on the side of a busy road (not a highway, a two-lane road with street lights) and they didn't move a lick when the cars passed at about 45 mph, which is very odd for them given how close the cars were to their position near the road, they spook pretty easily, but they were more concerned with munching on grass.

Also, they could be sick. Be careful if you're handling them, deer in PA (and a few other states) that were studied by the government had a surprising rate of COVID.

[dryrunguy]

I'll have to think about your questions, Jazz. I haven't really noticed anything radically different in terms deer population in the era of COVID. But I want to think about it more to make sure I've really considered everything.

I can tell you we wore gloves in handling them, though. I had read the news about deer and COVID. I'll get back to you.

[JazzNU]

FYI, make sure you're stocked up on toilet paper. The shortages have begun. I think it's only in-store, not at the manufacturer level, but just be aware, if you've reverted back to your 2019 behavior, time to return to your pandemic buying mode.

[ti-amie]

Paper towels too if you use them.

[Deuce]

If your fence is directly resulting in the deaths of deer, I'd say it's time to modify the fence. The deer were probably there long before the fence.
Lower the top wire?
Put up a solid fence that they can't get tangled or caught up in?
There are probably a dozen other solutions, as well.

[ti-amie]

Warning: Plumber's view

[MJ2004]

Warning: Plumber's view

Nike swoosh makes an unfortunate appearance. lol

[Suliso]

Any of you recognize this famous picture?

[ponchi101]

Wild random guess would be something related to the signing of the Armistice after WW1, and these 9 guys were about to lose a war and go and live in infamy for the rest of their lives.
Or the very, very, very first and original ensemble of "The Village People".
(Let's give others a try until you reveal how wrong I am)

[dmforever]

How's the deer population near you @dry? I know your area isn't very high with the vaccinations and I'm not sure if that means people are out and about like they were in 2019 or if they've been staying in more often because they have the good sense to be more cautious about covid since they are unvaccinated.

Because during the heart of the pandemic, the deer population didn't die as it typically does each year because of so many less people out and about on the roads, which kills a healthy amount, and I don't think our hunting season was as robust as it typically is (which is a thing here in PA, for those that don't know the state, first day of hunting season was always considered a holiday in the west and central parts of the state, and schools and offices were closed accordingly). And I'm fairly certain there's been a carry over of that to now because in the last 3 weeks I've seen about 10 dead deer. Now, that number is slightly higher because I've had to take 2 road trips in that time and that increases what I will see, but still in the summertime when it's not their mating season? That's pretty darn high, they just aren't around like that usually this time of year. And this is not just here in PA, but in DE, MD, and NJ. So I think the population is just more than it typically is.

Point being, I'm not sure we're witnessing typical deer behavior right now. There might be more around than usual, and that could help to explain the unusual occurrences. That's the case around here, seeing way more than usual right now. Last weekend saw two just chilling on the side of a busy road (not a highway, a two-lane road with street lights) and they didn't move a lick when the cars passed at about 45 mph, which is very odd for them given how close the cars were to their position near the road, they spook pretty easily, but they were more concerned with munching on grass.

Also, they could be sick. Be careful if you're handling them, deer in PA (and a few other states) that were studied by the government had a surprising rate of COVID.

You probably all know this as well, but just in case, there is a mouse to deer to tick connection, and the ticks can carry Lyme. Please be safe and cover up when hiking anywhere, but especially in areas with a lot of deer.

Kevin

[JazzNU]

You probably all know this as well, but just in case, there is a mouse to deer to tick connection, and the ticks can carry Lyme. Please be safe and cover up when hiking anywhere, but especially in areas with a lot of deer.

Kevin

I don't know about a "mouse to deer to tick" connection, but unfortunately know all about deer and Lyme. I have a chronic version of Lyme. So I agree wholeheartedly, be very safe anytime you're in the woods.

[dmforever]

You probably all know this as well, but just in case, there is a mouse to deer to tick connection, and the ticks can carry Lyme. Please be safe and cover up when hiking anywhere, but especially in areas with a lot of deer.

Kevin

I don't know about a "mouse to deer to tick" connection, but unfortunately know all about deer and Lyme. I have a chronic version of Lyme. So I agree wholeheartedly, be very safe anytime you're in the woods.

I always read "The Best Science and Nature Writing" every year and it had an article about that. They originally thought that it was deer, but the found out later that it had to do with deer and either mice or squirrels and fleas and ticks. I don't remember the specifics now. Sorry.

Kevin

[skatingfan]

Any of you recognize this famous picture?

I know it's the Nine Kings of Europe, but the only one I recognize is King George V seated in the middle of the front row.

[ti-amie]

[ponchi101]

Long live porn!
(I have no idea what that site is about)