Many of you may have noticed fewer deer or have encountered them just dropping and dying on Orcas and San Juan Island over the last month. This disease event is specific to deer and is being closely monitored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; they have taken the necessary samples to confirm the suspected cause of this outbreak. There is no cure or intervention available at this time.
To help reduce the spread of this disease among the deer population, and as always, we ask that you please do not feed the deer. The deer need to be “SOCIAL DISTANCING” at this time. Feeding congregates deer and increases the risk of spread.
In most cases, the dead deer (while stinky) will be rapidly consumed by scavengers, completing the cycle of life. Thank you for your concern and patience as this outbreak runs its course.