A few days ago, while visiting the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I photographed a White-tailed Doe standing in tall grass. At first glance, she looked healthy and serene. But once I zoomed in through my lens, I noticed something troubling, her left eye was covered in ticks.
The Hidden Toll Ticks Take on Deer
Ticks are more than a minor irritation for wildlife. For animals like this doe, a heavy infestation can cause real harm. These tiny parasites feed on blood, and when present in large numbers, they can lead to several health issues.
Anemia and Weakness
A few ticks may be manageable, but dozens feeding at once can lead to blood loss. This can cause anemia, weakening the animal, especially if it’s already dealing with other stressors or is nursing young.
Disease Risks
Ticks are known vectors for diseases. While people often associate them with Lyme disease, deer can suffer from tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis. These diseases can lead to fever, lethargy, and other debilitating symptoms.
Irritation and Infection
Tick bites are not just itchy, they can also become infected. With so many ticks clustered around this doe’s eye, I imagine it must be extremely uncomfortable, possibly even impairing her vision.
How Deer Deal With Ticks
White-tailed Deer, like many wild animals, rely on grooming to manage parasites. They use their hooves and tongues to scratch or lick affected areas. Social grooming also plays a role, deer will often groom one another to reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
However, this doe may be alone for a reason. I suspect she has a fawn hidden nearby. Mother deer typically isolate themselves during the early days of their fawn’s life to protect the young from predators. While this strategy increases the fawn’s safety, it leaves the doe without the help of herd grooming.
A Story of Resilience
This photo is hard to look at, but it tells an important story. Even in the safety of a wildlife refuge, life is full of invisible battles. This doe’s condition is a stark reminder of the daily challenges wild animals face, often unseen by the casual observer.
Next time you see a deer in the wild or near your home, take a moment to appreciate its strength and resilience. Their world is filled with obstacles, from predators and weather to parasites as small as a tick.
Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark 2
Lens: RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Aperture: ƒ/8
Shutter Speed: 1/1600
ISO: 3200
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure Compensation: 0
Oh gosh,that would be hard to see any animal covered with ticks like the doe has on her eye. Makes you want to catch her and take care of the problems.