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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.