Why are deer numbers higher in suburban and urban areas than in rural areas of Maryland?
Deer thrive and find abundant food in habitats where woodlands are interspersed with open areas. When wooded areas become housing developments, some sections are cleared for roads and home sites, while with others remain forested; new homeowners then plant ornamental shrubs and seed the yard. When open farmland is developed, new residents plant trees in addition to shrubs and seeded lawns. Both of these types of development actually improve habitat for deer. At the same time, hunting within the forested or agricultural landscapes is either eliminated or restricted, affording deer both improved habitat with reduced mortality, resulting in elevated deer populations.
