We are very fortunate to live in a country that has such a rich diversity of wildlife and habitat , however , occasionally these things can conflict with our normal everyday life and cause problems that have to be dealt with . These problems , when they arise , need to be resolved professionally in a lawful and responsible way . There are a number of options open to us in dealing with this , dependant on the animals , surroundings and safety - all are equally important .
In our experience the main culprits we have to deal with are Deer , Fox , Rabbits and sometimes Squirrels and Geese . They all have their own causes for concern , especially Deer with the recent alarming rise in Deer -ticks (Iodes 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 befalls on us as wildlife managers to husband and control their numbers , subject to season and environment , for the benefit of all .
Fox
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 , desease , 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.
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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 .