A wary herd of axis deer lines the crest of a ridge on the Makawao side of Haleakala Highway on Sunday afternoon. The deer were feeding in a former pineapple field. According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, there are anywhere between 4,000 and more than 20,000 axis deer on the island. In the last two years, axis deer on Maui have caused at least $1 million in damage to the island’s farms, ranches and resorts, according to a survey by the county. Work is currently under way on a draft axis deer management plan.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
