White–tailed Deer—Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed deer are native to Maine, but their populations have been increasing for the last century, partly due to increased development in rural areas. Deer become pests when they feast on gardens and ornamental plantings. They are also one of the hosts for deer ticks, carriers of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

Click on images to view full-size

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

White–tails in the Maine Woods—Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Supplemental Feeding of White-Tailed Deer During Winter—Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Fact Sheet with Management Options [PDF]—Cornell Cooperative Extension
Wildlife in Connecticut: White–Tailed Deer [PDF]—Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage: Deer [PDF]—Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
Best Practices for Nuisance Wildlife Control: White-Tailed Deer [PDF]—Cornell Cooperative Extension

More Information (each will open in a new window)

Deer-proof Plants?—Catskill Native Nursery
Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife [PDF]—University of Maryland Cooperative Extension

[Photos, left to right: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org; David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org; Paul Bolstad, University of Minnesota, Bugwood.org]

It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.

got pests?

White–tailed Deer—Odocoileus virginianus

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

More Information (each will open in a new window)

quick find

links