Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula is asking the public to report deer sightings following a recent increase in feral deer activity across Eyre Peninsula.

Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management (NRM) Officer Ben Tucker said deer are a declared pest under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and pose significant environmental and social impacts if left uncontrolled.

“They have the ability to disperse over hundreds of kilometres relatively quickly and damage native vegetation, increase soil erosion and reduce biodiversity by impacting vegetation and habitats for threatened species such as Malleefowl,” Mr Tucker said.

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula wants people to report feral deer sightings to assist with management and control of the pest species.

“Not only do they cause environmental damage, but feral deer can carry exotic diseases such as bovine tuberculosis that can infect domestic stock.

“And when deer are present near highways, they are a significant hazard for motorists and could easily cause fatal collisions.

“The males are also extremely aggressive during breeding season, and this could pose a threat to public safety for bushwalkers, campers and landholders,” Mr Tucker said.

If you see or hear of feral deer on the Eyre Peninsula please contact NRM Officer Ben Tucker 0428 846 741 or log sightings on the Feral Scan website: www.feralscan.org.au.