C.O. mule deer numbers on the decline; experts cite human population issues
Traffic, fences, recreation, disease, poaching -- all have an impact
Update: Adding video, comments from ODFW, Ochoco National Forest
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The numbers of deer and elk in Central Oregon are on the decline, and experts who track the animals say the region's continued growth in human population is a prime reason why.
According to Sara Gregory, a wildlife habitat biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, mule deer population near Metolius decreased close to 40% and the population near Paulina dropped nearly 30% during the most recent three-year testing period.