Roving deer becoming a problem

With a large population of deer in Bouddi National Park, Local Land Services is working with landholders to keep them under control and prevent them from wandering into neighbouring suburban areas.

But more and more of the creatures are being spotted in the area, posing a risk to motorists.

Robert Rath and his wife fell victim when their motorcycle collided with a deer while riding along the Scenic Rd at Killcare Heights on May 6.

“We collided with an adult deer, causing injury and extensive damage to the motorcycle,” Rath said.

“I was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital and my wife was taken to Gosford Hospital.

“We are now both at home, with many months of recuperation ahead.

“In the past month I have seen a family of deer on Dajani Dr, a large buck near Zac’s coffee shop and other deer near Graham Dr at Macmasters Beach.

“My neighbours have all had similar sightings.”

Rath said he had written to all three levels of government asking for action to reduce the risk.

Luke Mitchell of Local Land Services (LLS) said while estimating numbers was difficult, there were growing numbers of deer in the area.

“The aim is to contain and reduce deer numbers where possible and keep them out of urban areas of Macmasters Beach and Killcare,” Mitchell said.

“Using firearms is the only method for the control of deer, which is often unsafe in built-up areas.

“An approved pesticide for targeting deer may exist in the future, but it is unlikely that this will be suitable in peri-urban areas like this.”

Landholders have a responsibility under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to manage feral deer on their properties.

LLS encourages landholders to work with their neighbours and participate in its co-ordinated control programs or engage a pest animal contractor directly.

Mitchell said LLS was currently looking at trialling a trap but that method was not without its challenges.

“Deer can jump quite high and it can be difficult to contain or entice them into a trap,” he said.

“The best result would be to prevent them from getting into urban areas by controlling them in public lands and semi-rural or agricultural lands.”

Mitchell cited other areas where deer have become a real hazard in communities.

“Once they are in urban areas it gets really difficult in terms of control,” he said.

He said many people might be unaware of the havoc deer wreak on riparian ecosystems and native plants if not controlled.

“They can destroy creek banks,” he said.

Local Land Services is keen to hear from any private property owners in the Macmasters/Killcare area who might be prepared to trial a trap at their property.

“While eradication is not feasible, we can discourage them from certain areas and suppress the current population to protect the environment and minimise the risks to public safety,” Mitchell said.

A Central Coast Council spokesperson said Council would investigate if there were any identified wildlife habitat corridors on Scenic Rd.

“If there are, Wildlife Warning signage can be installed as an alert to motorists travelling in the area,” the spokesperson said.

Terry Collins