Students from Colgate University will present their research on deer and diseases during a session at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.
“After months of research and data collection on deer abundance and tick-borne diseases at Rogers Center, the senior Environmental Studies capstone class at Colgate University is sharing their findings with the public,” a Rogers news release stated.
Guided by Dr. Catherine Cardelus, a professor of biology and environmental studies and director of the university’s Upstate Institute, the students will release the results with a presentation and public question-and-answer session.
“Oh, Deer! Ticks, Deer, and Disease: Understanding their Connection, and Tips for Staying Safe” will be presented at the Rogers Visitor Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
According to the release, an overabundance of deer poses concerns for the regeneration of forest ecosystems and can increase the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses. The senior capstone group assessed deer populations at Rogers Environmental Education Center and created a deer management plan to ensure future conservation.
Part of the project is an evaluation of community attitudes and perceptions of deer abundance, ticks and tick-borne diseases. The students have used the responses from a publicly distributed survey “to inform and develop potential management strategies and educational resources,” the release stated.
Anyone interested in learning more is welcome to attend the presentation.