A Diseased Deer in Stillwater Raises Concerns about Declining Local Population
A Hunter’s Concern
In Stillwater, New York, a hunter named Anthony Cocozzo stumbled upon a sick deer on New Year’s Eve. The doe had lost most of its hair and was struggling to move. Cocozzo took the deer out of respect for the animal and contacted his neighbor Larry Bramski to take a look. Bramski, a fellow hunter, was concerned about the deer’s condition and called the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The DEC’s Response
The DEC instructed Bramski to dispose of the deer on his own, stating that it was not edible. However, both hunters were concerned about the potential health risks posed by the diseased deer and asked the DEC to test the animal. The DEC eventually picked up the deer and sent it to the Delmar lab for testing.
The Test Results
The test results revealed that the deer had demodectic mange, a condition caused by mites. According to the DEC, this condition is not typically fatal and poses no risk to hunters from contact or consumption of venison from infected deer.
Declining Deer Population
The incident has raised concerns about the declining deer population in the area. Both Cocozzo and Bramski have noticed a significant decrease in the number of deer they have seen this year compared to previous years. The DEC’s statewide statistics also show a decline in antlered buck harvest and antlerless deer harvest.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of responsible hunting practices and the need for hunters to report any unusual or diseased animals to the DEC. The DEC’s response to the incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of their testing and disposal procedures for diseased animals.
FAQs
Q: What is demodectic mange?
A: Demodectic mange is a condition caused by mites that can affect deer.
Q: Is demodectic mange typically fatal?
A: No, demodectic mange is not typically fatal, according to the DEC.
Q: Does demodectic mange pose a risk to hunters?
A: No, the DEC states that demodectic mange poses no risk to hunters from contact or consumption of venison from infected deer.
Q: What can hunters do if they encounter a diseased animal?
A: Hunters should report any unusual or diseased animals to the DEC and follow their instructions for disposal.
Q: Why is the deer population declining?
A: The exact reason for the decline in deer population is unknown, but it may be related to a combination of factors, including disease, habitat loss, and hunting practices.
