Exploring the West's Deer Pellet Survey with Andi Bickford

A frequent sight in both wildlife sanctuaries and suburban backyards, White-tailed Deer have remarkably adapted to living alongside people. However, as natural predators decline—often deterred by human-altered landscapes—deer populations have grown beyond sustainable levels. 

Ecosystems rely on a delicate balance, especially when it comes to food sources. When deer populations swell, their intense grazing can devastate vegetation, disrupting habitats and impacting other species like ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and pollinators that depend on the same plants for food or shelter. 

But how can we tell if this imbalance is happening in our corner of Massachusetts? That’s where Andi Bickford, an AmeriCorps member and Mass Audubon Land Stewardship Coordinator, steps in with her expertise. 

Meet Andi Bickford

Andi Bickford, originally hailing from Springfield, MA, has a passion for nature and deer, evident in her tattoo of a buck with flowers, ferns, and insects mixed in between the antlers. Andi’s passion for conservation stems from a moral responsibility she feels to protect her community’s natural resources. Reflecting on what drives her work, Andi says, “Working in the conservation field gives me hope that our natural resources will continue to exist and be enjoyed by future generations. This work is meaningful and gives me a lot of satisfaction.”  

When Mass Audubon set out to learn more about the local deer population, Andi came prepared with a plan: conduct a Deer Pellet Survey to estimate their numbers. 

Understanding the Deer Pellet Survey 

A Deer Pellet Survey involves systematically searching for and counting deer droppings (pellets) along a predefined area. By knowing how many pellets a single deer produces on average in a day and the time it takes for pellets to decay in the environment, researchers can use the survey data to calculate the approximate number of deer in the area. This method is particularly useful because it’s non-invasive, cost-effective, and provides valuable insights into deer density and habitat use, helping to inform land management and conservation strategies. 

Volunteers Collect Survey Data Alongside Mass Audubon Staff 

The deer pellet survey wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers Andi engages. Volunteers are trained in scat identification, trail navigation, and what to do when population data is sparse or nonexistent. 

Working with the volunteers is one of the most fulfilling parts of Andi’s work. “I’m inspired by the many dedicated volunteers who love land, forests, and wildlife as much as I do,” she says. Being able to hear about the wildlife sightings and beautiful vistas volunteers encounter adds another layer of connection and excitement to the project.  

Analyzing the Results so Far 

Through last year’s surveys, it was found that deer density estimates at local Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries are abnormally high. “Based on the data collected last year, I estimated the populations at Arcadia, Graves Farm, and High Ledges to be 104 deer per square mile, 86 deer per square mile, and 73 deer per square mile, respectively,” Andi says. 12-18 deer per square mile is considered a normal population. At 20 deer per square mile, we start to see the negative impacts of overabundant deer. 

With this knowledge, land managers can make informed conservation decisions about how best to support the native wildlife found onsite. This spring, volunteers will continue to monitor these populations and broaden the scope of the project to cover more sanctuaries.   

How to Get Involved 

The deer pellet surveys rely on a strong team of volunteers, and we need your help to paint a comprehensive understanding of deer populations in western Massachusetts. Although deer pellet surveys have been conducted in the eastern part of the state for several years, Andi launched this project in western Massachusetts in 2023 with the goal of making these surveys an annual effort. 

Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply someone with a love for wildlife, joining the deer pellet survey is a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can help ensure healthy, thriving ecosystems for generations to come. 

If you’re curious about the initiative, sign up for one of our 60-minute information sessions to learn more. 

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