A feral deer has been spotted on Sydney’s Upper North Shore — the latest in an alarming series of encounters that highlight the feral animal’s growing spread into urban areas, raising concern over the destructive impact of the invasive species.
The animal was photographed on Kissing Point Road in Turramurra earlier this month, about 20 kilometres northwest of North Sydney. NSW Fishers and Shooters Party chairman Robert Borsak posted on social media about the latest encounter on Wednesday, saying it is the second in about a week — with another sighting taking place at Asquith.
“I bet there are many, many more,” he said. The habitat is perfect for these highly adaptive deer. We have no mechanisms for control of these animals, they will proliferate and cause significant damage to the habitat and the community.”
A deer was spotted on train tracks in Eastwood in July just days after another nearly collided with a car in Canberra. Source: humansofeastwooddaily/Instagram
Australia’s ongoing problem with feral deer
Deer sightings in urban areas continue to emerge around the country as invasive species experts warn their spread is “becoming a huge problem”.
Back in July, dash cam footage captured the shocking moment two drivers almost collided with a deer darting across a road in Canberra. The video, filmed “in the middle” of the road, shows the large animal suddenly appearing on a grass median strip. It bolted across two lanes of traffic, just metres in front of startled motorists.
Merely days later, another sighting took place in Eastwood, in Sydney’s northwest, along a set of train tracks. CEO of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough, spoke to Yahoo about the worsening issue, saying it’s “unusual” to see deer “that deep into suburbia”, but it’s now becoming increasingly common.
“It’s a problem in Melbourne and a growing issue in the Gold Coast and Canberra,” Jack said. “Adelaide is trying to remove them from the hills before they get out of control there.” Jack pointed out that in NSW, according to the Greater Sydney Regional Pest Strategic Animal Management Plan, deer are “moderately distributed” across the city, meaning there may be a chance to contain the spread if swift action is taken.
Read more: Fishermen’s incredible deer encounter on Aussie river: ‘Are you kidding?’
Deer colliding with trains is an issue estimated to cost millions in damages. Source: humansofeastwooddaily/Instagram
Why were deer introduced to Australia?
First brought to Australia in the early 1800s by European settlers, deer were mainly imported for recreational hunting. Red deer were introduced to Tasmania in 1827, followed by several other species over the years, including fallow, sambar, chital and muntjac.
The intention was to establish game species for hunting and to introduce animals that mirrored those of the settlers’ homelands, creating a more familiar European landscape.
However, Australia’s ecosystems, having evolved in isolation for millions of years, were never designed to accommodate them. As a result, their populations have exploded. Because they have no natural predators here, deer numbers have risen exponentially across the entire continent, with estimates now suggesting there are millions.
There’s estimated to be between one and two million deer in Australia, with their introduced pest regularly spilling onto roads. Source: Tasmanian Government
They wreak havoc on fragile landscapes, and cause problems for the agriculture sector too by destroying fencing and crops. Source: Victorian Government
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions’ CEO, Shauna Chadlowe, encouraged all residents to photograph and report sightings of deer when they see them.
“Reporting by the public helps us know where the feral deer are, particularly in new areas, as well as areas where deer are spreading,” she said. “Knowing where they are helps land management agencies and communities better prepare for early action to keep numbers and impacts of deer low and manageable, rather than waiting for them to get out of hand.”
DeerScan reports can be used by land management agencies and councils to help inform where community awareness, education and control efforts can be best supported. In 2021, feral deer were responsible for costing the Australian economy approximately $91.3 million. This includes $69.1 million in agricultural losses.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
