Green and Blue Lasers are Ineffectivefor Dispersing Deer at Night

Authors

Kurt C. VerCauteren, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife ServicesFollow
Jason M. Gilsdorf, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Scott E. Hygnstrom, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Paul B. Fioranelli, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center
John A. Wilson, University of Nebraska Cooperative ExtenslonFollow
Scott Barras, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

September 2006

Comments

Published in WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN

Abstract

Over-abundant populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) create agriculturaland human health and safety issues. The increased economic damage associated with locally overabundant deer populations accentuates the need for efficient techniques to mitigate the losses. Although red lasers can be an efficient tool for reducing damage caused by birds, they are not effective for deer because deer cannot detect wavelengths in the red portion of the spectrum. No research has been conducted to determine if lasers of lower wavelengths could function as frightening devices for deer. We evaluated agreen laser (534nm, 120mW)and 2 models of blue lasers (473nm, 5 mW and 15 mW) to determine their efficacy in dispersing deer at night. Deer were no more likely to flee during a green or blue laser encounter than during control encounters. The green and blue lasers we tested did not frighten deer.