SHA is Trying to Get You Out of a "Rut" this Fall

From theBaynet.com

It happens in an instant. Driving through a suburban or rural area and a deer jumps in your path. What do you do? The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is providing tips to help avoid crashes involving deer and other nocturnal animals....

Here are some tips to minimize the risk of hitting a deer:
• Be extra attentive between sunset and sunrise - this is when deer primarily feed;
• Use your high beams when appropriate to illuminate the eyes of deer;
• “Never veer for deer” - brake firmly but do not jerk the steering wheel. Sudden movements could cause a more serious crash with a fixed object or another motorist;
• Be cautious—if you see one deer it’s likely part of a herd;
• Obey deer crossing signs placed in areas known for high deer populations;
• Always wear your seat belt;
• Avoid distractions like cell phones, food and radios; and always
• Always drive sober.
If a collision is unavoidable and you do hit a deer, be sure to consider the following:
• Do not touch the deer. An injured deer can hurt you and further injure itself;
• If possible, move your car off to a safe location to avoid a secondary crash with another vehicle; and
• Call the police and try to be as specific as possible about the location.
Over the years, SHA has used some innovative approaches to assist with the high number of deer crossings.

...In Garrett County, SHA recently installed high fencing to not only prevent deer from crossing, but also Black Bear and other large animals.
Residents or motorists that notice a deer that has been struck should log onto roads.maryland.gov and click “Contact Us” for an online service submission form to have the animal removed. A complete list of SHA’s maintenance shops is also located on the website.

Read the full article here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

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From the Republican: Deer crossing the Deep Creek Lake ice - Photo: Vaughn Miller

This herd of deer may be a little confused when the lake is no longer passable on foot (hoof?), which actually may be the case by now. The animals were seen and photographed by Vaughn Miller last Thursday as they made their way across the ice. Deer have had a rough time this winter, struggling to find food under so many feet of snow. But the grasses are beginning to rise up out of the remnants of the white stuff now, as the temperature has been far above freezing for several days, providing the first warm stretch the county has had in more than four months. Spring-like weather is to continue for some days, although there is a chance of snow on Monday. Such is March on the mountaintop.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County Photo - White Tail Deer - Literally

Thanks to Mary Lou Rhorbaugh of Prosperity Mortgage for sending this pic of some Garrett County natives wading through the snow. Garrett County has received over 220 inches of snowfall this winter...and more is coming! It's a safe bet that they are 'white' tailed deer...

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Maryland deer shrug off weather

Md. deer shrug off weather

Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News

INDIAN SPRINGS — The cold and snowy weather that Garrett and Allegany counties experienced during the past two weeks is barely a blip on a deer’s survival radar, according to Maryland head deer biologist.

“Deer have had time to adapt to those kinds of conditions,” said Brian Eyler of the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service. “I don’t anticipate any significant problems.”

Eyler said recent winters have been so mild that there has been no need for crews to walk woodland routes to look for deer mortality.

“Because this winter has had more snow we will probably do some mortality surveys, probably in March,” Eyler said Thursday. “The last survey we did was five years ago.”

Eyler said that the snow cover has disappeared east of Frederick.

“Here at Indian Springs, we have about 60 percent snow cover and that will melt fast over the next few days when the temperatures get into the middle and upper 40s.”

Eyler said agency eyebrows raise and the concern for deer survival increases if crusted ice conditions are maintained for extended periods, making it difficult for deer to move around or find food.

He said predation of deer by other animals is not a big problem in far Western Maryland, under either good or bad weather conditions.

Eyler said there is no biological reason for residents to feed deer, even during bad weather.

“I know people like to feed deer and I understand their intentions, but it isn’t needed,” he said.

“In fact, it has some bad consequences such as grouping deer where disease can be spread.”

Eyler said feeding keeps deer in one area where they also eat any natural browse that is available, thus knocking it back.

“I got a call from an Eastern Shore woman the other day and she had hit a deer on the way to work and that evening her husband hit a deer at the same spot on the highway with their other vehicle.”

Eyler said artificial feeding of deer can make them cross roadways from a lounging habitat to the feeding area, thus exposing them to more risk of getting struck by a motor vehicle.



If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Hike through Deep Creek Highlands

I was walking through Deep Creek Highlands the last week, taking some photos of a new lot listing on Westward Way, and I happened upon a mother and baby deer nibbling on on some fresh landscaping. They looked spooked, because they didn't expect me, and I admit I jumped a little when I saw them move. Regardless, I snapped a few quick photos and they went about their business.

One of the great features of the Deep Creek Highlands community is the walking trails. There is a beautiful path to the lake, surrounded by a mountain stream, blackberry patches and some breathtaking views of Deep Creek Lake. It is lot more enjoyable going down the path than it is coming up the path - it is definitely a challenging hike. But, it's worth it. There a few places to rest along the way, and it meanders through the communities of Waterside at Wisp and Southridge. It ultimately leads to the Lakeside Park on Marsh Hill Road, one of the amenities of ownership to some of the communities of Wisp Resort. I snapped a few photos there, hopped on the boat and was well on my way.