The Maui News

Severe drought conditions over the summer have led to starvation and recent deaths of deer on Molokai, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife staff began receiving reports this month of dead deer being found on roadways and private land in west Molokai, according to a department news release. It said division staff have done surveys and investigations to determine the causes of death. “At this time, the animals appear to be dying of starvation due to the extreme drought that the island experienced over the summer,” the news release said.

The staff observations were confirmed by a veterinarian from the state Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industry, during a visit on Monday, according to the news release.

“This situation reminds us of the vital importance of controlling invasive species,” said David Smith, administrator of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “This is a self-fulfilling prophecy of invasive, nonnative deer overpopulating, degrading our forested watersheds and now starving as a result.”

Scott Fretz, division Maui branch manager, said deer lack natural predators that normally keep populations in check in their native habitats. “Deer populations can rapidly increase to very high numbers that impact native habitats, agricultural and other areas,” he said.

On Molokai, deer are designated as game mammals and the department doesn’t restrict the numbers that can be harvested as long as those hunting the animals follow state laws, including possessing a current hunting license, and have permission from private landowners. Deer on Molokai and Maui can be hunted daily, year round, with no bag limits.

State Rep. Lynn DeCoite, who represents Molokai, Lanai and East Maui, asked “for everyone’s patience while we are doing our best to clean up the carcasses and develop plans to try and manage the overpopulation of axis deer on Molokai.”

Landowners and agencies are partnering to remove carcasses that pose a nuisance or hazard, with forestry division staff providing heavy equipment for excavation and burial of animals.

Landowners are responsible for removing carcasses on private land. The state Department of Transportation is responsible for carcasses on state highways, and the county Department of Public Works is responsible for those on county road easements.

If the carcasses are in a county park, the county Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will respond if there are live or injured deer in need of wildlife control.

Depending on the location, deer carcasses can be reported by calling Molokai Ranch at (808) 552-2444, state highways at 873-3535, county road easements at (808) 553-3222 or DLNR lands at 984-8100.