Deer & Ticks

Male deer grow large horns when they reach maturity.

Throughout North America's forests, wild deer thrive. Hunters and nature lovers alike enjoy seeing deer in their natural habitats. However, another creature sharing the deer's environment is the deer tick. This parasite attaches itself to humans hiking through the woods and can spread disease.

Deer

Two species of deer live in the United States. The males of both species grow large horns. White-tailed deer are known for the white underside of their tails. Mule deer have smaller white tails with black tips and are much larger than white-tailed deer. Male mule deer weigh up to 300 pounds. White-tailed deer usually weigh an average of 150 pounds. Both of these species live in forested areas where ticks are found.

Deer Ticks

Ticks are arachnids; they have eight legs like spiders. These parasites survive on the blood of other animals. Some species of tick are less attracted to humans than animals. However, deer ticks will attach to deer and humans when possible. These ticks are about the size of a sesame seed and have hard shells. Deer ticks often latch on to deer as the animals feed on low branches and tall grasses.

Lyme Disease

Deer ticks carry Lyme disease. The ticks are infected when they feed on deer and other mammals that live in North American forests. When deer ticks bite a human host, it can take up to thirty six hours to transmit Lyme disease. This disease causes neurological disorders and heart problems if not treated. Rash, fever, pain, and joint swelling are early signs of Lyme disease. Always remove ticks immediately.

Prevention

Ticks are most commonly found in forested areas and fields with high grasses. Deer ticks are often found on deer but may be found in forests without deer; deer ticks can feed on most mammals. Wear long sleeves and long pants and cover your head with a hat to prevent ticks from biting you. Bug repellent spray may help repel ticks. Check for ticks immediately after you spend time in the wild.

References

• Mother Earth News; North American Deer: Mule, Whitetail and Coastal Blacktail Deer; David Petersen; 2011
• National Geographic; Deer Ticks, Deer Tick Pictures, Deer Tick Facts; National Geographic Society; 2011
• Tick Info; Deer Tick; SCS Limited; 2000
• University of Vermont; deerticklymefactsheetmay10.pdf; University of Vermont; 2010
• Environmental Graffitti; How Deer Ticks Spread Lyme Disease; MikeDeHaan; 2011