DFW Invasive Species
White Tailed Deer
White Tailed Deer
LOCATION
Presently, the white-tailed deer can be found on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
Deer can usually be seen in edge habitats, where fields and forest meet.
Scientific name
Odocoileus virginianus
Common names:
Whitetail
Virginia Deer
Common names:
Whitetail
Virginia Deer
NATIVE ORIGIN
The white-tailed deer is native to North America, Central America and South America.
White- tailed deer were introduced on all three islands for recreational hunting in the late 1700s. Recreational hunting is no longer permitted on the islands, and the white-tailed deer populations have since expanded.
- Females tend to be smaller, but male white-tailed deer can reach a max height of approximately 3.5ft and weight up to 295lbs (Taylor 1956).
- When alarmed, the deer hold up their white tails, erect, which is how they go their name.
- In the Virgin Islands, their coats consist of wiry hairs that can range from reddish-brown to tan.
- Fawns will have white spots that fade away by roughly 4 months of age.
- Adult males have antlers, whereas females rarely will.
- White- tailed deer were introduced on all three islands for recreational hunting in the late 1700s.
- Recreational hunting is no longer permitted on the islands, and the white-tailed deer populations have since expanded.
Ecological Impact
FOREST REGENERATION
THREAT TO PLANTS
DAMAGE TO CROPS
COLLISIONS
FOREST REGENERATION
When population densities become too high, white-tailed deer can negatively affect forest regeneration by predating on native seeds and trampling/browsing of seedlings.
THREAT TO PLANTS
White-tailed deer herbivory and trampling can also cause increased erosion and put endangered and threatened plant species at even more risk.
DAMAGE TO CROPS
White tailed deer can also cause damage local crops that significantly affects small scale farmers (Chai et al 2007).
COLLISIONS
Additionally, increased populations pose a risk for collisions with vehicles.
Management/Control
PERMITS
PERMITS
Culling permits are available for properties that are being significantly impacted by deer.
What You Can Do!
REPORT IT
REPORT IT
- You may also help DFW manage White tailed deer populations by reporting sightings. This can be done by contacting DFW directly at (340) 773-1082. You may also submit an anonymous “tip” to the DPNR hotline. This can be done online through the website DPNR Hotline (vi.gov) or on the go through the downloadable DPNR Hotline App!
- Download on the Google Play App Store
Download on the Apple App Store
REMEMBER
Recreational hunting is no longer permitted on the islands.
References
Chai, S. L., & Conservation, J. (2007). Establishment of the invasive white-tailed deer in Portland, Jamaica. Jamaica: Conservation and Development Trust.
Taylor, W.P. 1956. The Deer of North America. The Stackpole Company, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 668pp
McCullough, D. 1982. Population Growth Rate of the George Reserve Deer Herd. J. Wildl. Manage.46(4):1079-1084.
