Feral deer invade Adelaide suburbs as population soars There are now about 9500 feral deer causing carnage across the Greater Adelaide region, as well as the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, according to Green Adelaide spokesman Marty Bower. Home security vision is capturing herds of feral deer roaming leafy suburban streets, including at Mitcham, Belair and Beaumont, while single sightings have also been reported at Burnside and on Magill Road. A single deer can destroy large areas of vegetation, damage fences and create a significant hazard on the road, Mr Bower said. Feral deer damage gardens, trample native vegetation, strip bark from trees and cause erosion along waterways – all of which impacts habitat that supports native and threatened birds and animals. Deer also pose a road safety risk and spread invasive plants like olives through their droppings and their trampling churns up soil, which can increase weed growth. Green Adelaide considers feral deer one of Australia’s worst emerging pests, ahead of rabbits and feral cats. A South Australian government report in 2023 found the animals cost the state’s farmers about $36m in direct productivity losses every year. Another Beaumont resident captured the deer on their home security as well. Footage: Supplied by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.
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