Deer

Deer can be a pest in Fair Harbor and on Fire Island. Because we live in the Fire Island National Park, we have very limited opportunities to control the impact of deer on our lives. Some communities have in the past supported the Deer Immunocontraception Program. Fair Harbor through the Fair Harbor Community Association (FHCA) participated in this project until it was fully taken over by Fire Island National Seashore and the New York Humane Society. Read at the link above about their success.

Some homeowners in Fair Harbor and other Fire Island communities have fenced in their property. There are good examples of fences, but also quite a few eyesores. Every homeowners has the responsibility make sure their fence fits in with the environment and of course zoning laws.

Deer, over time, have developed special skills in obtaining food from human garbage. deer.JPG (18583 bytes) This deer was observed eating bread skillfully out of a plastic bag. Gene Levy is said to have observed two bucks batting a garbage can down a walk in hopes the lid would come off.

Every homeowner is encouraged to obtain bungees for their houses and educate all occupants including tenants in the usefulness of the bungees. Your neighbors and the community will appreciate a much cleaner look of your property.

Should this not work, retaining bins remain the only other viable option.

Please also see our Tick and Lyme Info pages.

Revised: January 14, 2004