THE DEER GUARD AT THE JUNCTION OF HIGHWAY 9 AND PRIVATE ROAD - WILDLIFE CAMERA MONITORING

In this study, the performance of a deer guard was monitored for a year in a dense population of white-tailed deer in Loimaa. Four approaches to the deer guard by ungulates were documented by wildlife camera monitoring. One of the approaches resulted in a white-tailed deer crossing the deer guard. Calculated deer guard power would be 75%. In addition to the individuals that approached the deer guard, there were other white-tailed deer in the vicinity of the observation site.

?Other wild mammals were also recorded during the monitoring, as well as domestic cats. The fox, lynx, and domestic cat seemed to cross the deer guard with ease. In contrast, bobcats crossed the deer guard almost without exception. The effectiveness of the deer guard may change, for example, because of animal habituation. Since continuous wildlife camera monitoring of the deer guard is not possible, the local wildlife management association should try to agree on an arrangement whereby volunteers from the wildlife official volunteers would report any problems they observe (ungulates crossing the deer guard; ungulates damaging the guard structures) directly to the Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment. Because of the potential change in effectiveness, monitoring of structures should be carried out, for example, every five to ten years and in cases where there is reason to suspect that the structure is not functioning properly.

?During construction, the gap between the game fence and the deer guard must not be left large enough for ungulates to pass through. The condition of both the game fence and the deer guard shall be monitored and snow removal from the deer guard shall be ensured during snowy periods. To prevent snow accumulation on the structures, the guard deck should not use any cross beams as 'ties', and sufficient space should be left under the guard deck to prevent snow from accumulating space. Lighting and various sound baffles can have an impact on the effectiveness of a deer guard but no systematically collected data are available.

The design of a deer guard should also consider the comfort of use, especially in situations where the same road users have to cross the structure regularly and/or there is no alternative route. A deer guard built of round beams requires motorists to slow down very low to make crossing the bridge structure comfortable. The crossing is smoother with square beams. Square beams are also easier for pedestrians. Whatever the shape of the beams used, deer guards can be difficult for dogs and impossible for horses to cross. Therefore, it would be a good idea at the design stage of a deer guard to find out from nearby residents the needs of the local area. A possible compromise solution is to build a separate deer guard next to the pedestrian gate, which dog walkers, for example, can use if they wish.

?If deer guards are to be used for more than just individual deer crossings it is advisable to consider not only the effectiveness of the structures but also the impact on road users' experiences and needs of the users.?