Caution! The Deer Have Returned to Route 80

Two years ago, it seemed as if Route 80 in North Branford was overrun by deer with Lieutenant David D'Ancicco reporting a point where there were "five or six accidents a day."

Now, with the recent snow, Deputy Fire Marshal John O'Brien warns those driving on Route 80 that the deer are back. He posted an announcement with this warning: 

"Be mindful in the area from Big Y to the new Route 139. Herds of deer have been spotted up on the hill near Ticon and have been coming down to the road. Remember: DO NOT LEAVE FOOD along Route 80 for the deer."

Interviewed in February 2011 during the last problem with the deer, Howard Kilpatrick, wildlife biologist for the Department of Environmental Protection, explained the large amount of snow forces deer to travel in larger groups. 

“As the snow melts, they break up,” Kilpatrick said. It becomes easier to travel and deer move out to browse in other areas, he said. Kilpatrick said the whitetails will remain in the area, though, albeit in smaller groups, and farther from the road.