Fox sightings have been prevalent in Manhasset for the past few years, but with the increased construction on Long Island, deer have been moving west into Nassau County. Manhasset residents recently have contacted me with stories of deer sightings on Shelter Rock Road and Searingtown Road.
Anthony Sabino, a longtime Munsey Park resident, called me last Wednesday regarding a deer sighting on Shelter Rock Road on Tuesday, Nov. 3, while he was traveling home. The animal ran across the road and was nearly struck by oncoming traffic in the vicinity of the Hamlet.
According to Sabino, “It was unmistakably an adult male deer, with full antlers, approximately 6 feet or more in height, including the well-developed antlers.” He called 911 immediately to report the incident.
On Facebook, there was a post on the Manhasset Neighborhood Watch indicating several deer sightings due to the sidewalk replacement construction at Christopher Morley Park. The post stated, “deer have been spotted at two residences on Harrow Lane. A fellow Governor of the SVCA has…. reached out to Nassau County officials in regards to installing a temporary fence in lieu of prior one at Christopher Morley. Due to the sidewalk construction occurring and lack of barrier adjacent to the golf course, the deer are roaming onto Searingtown Road and residential areas.”
Cara Sheridan O’Donnell, chief administrator at the Science Museum of Long Island said, “We had a report of a dead adult deer on the Science Museum’s beach front just about 10 days ago. By the time we could investigate, the tide had apparently washed the poor animal away.”
According to Bill Fonda from the Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC), deer have been moving west into more populated areas. There are deer in Nassau County up to Queens. Deer hunting is only available on Long Island in Suffolk County on New York State managed lands. “The total estimated deer population on Long Island is estimated to be between 25,000 to 35,000 deer. The deer population on Long Island has experienced a steady increase in both the number of deer and spatial distribution since the 1980s.”
Nassau and Queens counties prohibit deer hunting due to the proximity of residential housing. Deer propagate quickly and proliferate the area.
DEC strongly advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent deer-vehicle collisions:
•Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially from late fall through December and when visibility is poor;
•Slow down when approaching deer standing near the roadside, as they may bolt at the last minute when a car comes closer, often sprinting onto the road;
•If you see a deer cross the road, be alert for others that may follow;
•Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when you spot deer near the road.
For motorists who have the misfortune of hitting and killing a deer with their vehicle, the New York State Environmental Conservation Law does allow for the motorist to keep the deer. To keep a deer carcass, a special permit is available from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident. Motorists should not remove a deer unless a permit is obtained first.
Residents should be mindful of the presence of deer in the area and use caution.
