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Feral deer are now in the Tweed, posing a serious problem if local populations establish and grow. The breeding season or rut has begun for Fallow and Red deer, which is the time of year when they are most active.
Six species of feral deer have been introduced in Australia and they are fast becoming one of the nation’s most concerning pest animals as they breed quickly and become difficult to manage as populations grow.
There have been 50 confirmed sightings of feral deer reported in the Tweed since the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert program was launched in May 2021.
Council’s Feral Deer Management Officer Rachel Hughes said there are indications of numbers increasing, and to expect the unexpected.
“It is likely recent flooding will have dispersed feral deer into new areas. Be on the look-out not only in rural areas but also in urban areas,” Ms Hughes said.
“Deer are renowned for jumping out from roadsides and bounding across roads. Some feral deer weigh up to 240kg – almost as much as a Harley Davidson motorbike – and 3 times the weight of a male red kangaroo! That’s not something you want to see on the road in front of you, especially in the dark.
“They can also reduce the ability of farmers to earn a living and cause significant environmental damage.
“Feral deer are most active at dawn and dusk which coincides with peak periods for road users.”
Along with reported sightings in the Tweed – including at Terranora just last week – there have been 2 recent sightings in the neighbouring Byron Shire.
Council is urging local residents, farmers, landholders, bushwalkers and motorists to report any feral deer sightings on FeralScan to help stop populations establishing in the Northern Rivers.
“We need the community’s help with this. We need these reports so we can understand where the deer are, their movements and how to best manage them,” Ms Hughes said.
“If we don’t have reports, feral deer will get out of control which is happening in nearby shires and across the country.”
Feral deer hunting in NSW is controlled and regulated and it is illegal to hunt in National Parks and on public land.
Prevent feral deer getting out of control by reporting all sightings at www.feralscan.org.au/deerscan or phone Local Land Services on 1300 795 299. For more information go to: www.feraldeeralert.com.au or tweed.nsw.gov.au/deer.
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