We are very fortunate to live in a country with such a rich diversity of wildlife and habitat, but now and then these things conflict with everyday life and cause problems that have to be dealt with. When they arise they need sorting lawfully and responsibly. There are a number of options, dependent on the animals, the surroundings and safety - all are equally important.
In our experience the main culprits are deer, fox, rabbits and geese, with the odd squirrel. They all have their own causes for concern, especially deer with the alarming rise in deer ticks (Ixodes ricinus), small spider like creatures that transmit Lyme disease to humans and dogs, a condition that is difficult to diagnose and catch in its early stages. Our larger mammals have no natural predators in this country, so it falls on us as wildlife managers to husband and control their numbers, subject to season and environment, for the benefit of all.
Wildlife management in Surrey
the most ingenious and resourceful of all our animals , the fox has successfully managed the transition from rural to urban life and easily adapts to any conditions . Common issues with foxes are ; digging up flowerbeds , predating and spreading rubbish , fouling , leaving unpleasant odours and making a lot of nocturnal noise . They can and do take pets . They carry a variety of pathogens , the most common being Toxacarius and Sarcoptic Mange .
Rabbits ; need no introduction , they are a problem to gardener , farmer and Greensman with a prodigious appetite for our favourite flowers and produce . Their warrens are a constant cause for concern , the holes being a perpetual hazard for horses and cattle .
Deer
We have six species of deer in the u.k. , but in these parts we need only concern ourselves with three , Fallow , Roe and Muntjac . The Fallow the largest of these are usually found in herds , up to as many as eighty animals but can also be seen as small groups and individuals . Large deer in large groups have large appetites and so , therefore , can cause substantial damage to young woodland , farm crops and market/domestic gardens . They frequently overpopulate unsuitable areas , causing issues with malnourishment , disease , land damage and road/ traffic incidents.
The Roe , are usually seen in small groups or single animals , never far from cover , venturing out from late evening to early morning , browsing its way through farm , orchard and garden ,nibbling at the young buds it prefers to eat . This commonly leaves a "browse line"of trees with stunted growth . They often encroach on gardens both market and domestic , eating all manner of flowers and foliage , bringing them into conflict with growers .
The Muntjac is the smallest of our native deer , non - indigenous , they were first introduced into Bedfordshire 130 years ago and have gradually spread over the south of England .
The males are quite unlike any of our other deer with small ,hooked antlers and sharp protruding canine teeth a strange creature to anyone seeing one for the first time.
Like the fox they have spread into sub-urban areas by way of railway tracks and tow-paths and are especially fond of garden flowers and shrubs , they can do an amazing amount of damage in a very short time and are becoming more problematic in suburban areas .