What could have caused Melvin the deer to attack in Andover?
If you live in a suburban or rural area of New Jersey it is likely that you have a deer experience, if not a whole bunch of them. Whether it be that they ate all of your freshly planted flowers, ran out in front of your car, or adorably hang out in your yard on a daily basis, the deer are everywhere.
White-tailed deer are common to encounter in New Jersey and, while they are cute to look at, it is important that you respect their space, for their safety and your own.
Melvin, a well-known deer from Andover Township, attacked a man hours before his wedding in November, according to NJ.com.
Kevin Van Arsdale was attacked while walking his dogs, only breaking free from the deer after two township workers who happened to be walking by were able to scare it off. Van Arsdale had minor injuries in the attack.
About two weeks later, on Nov. 22, another attack by the same deer was reported. The following day, Andover police officers located the deer near the same location, and they shot and killed it.
Van Arsdale and Andover officials could not be reached for comment after multiple attempts.
So, what could have caused the deer to become so aggressive?
Melvin was widely loved around the community, enough so that people took to social media after his death using the hashtag #JusticeforMelvin.
Many people likely fed him and showed him affection, which according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, could be causes for Melvin's aggression.
Regardless of how harmless they seem, white-tailed deer are wild animals which, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, do not need our help.
On feeding wild deer, the NJDEP's website says, "People should keep in mind that deer and other wildlife are wild animals and have adapted to cope to the sometimes-harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures and high winds."
If people consistently feed deer, it could cause them to lose their fear of humans, eventually leading to aggression. According to the NJDEP, "In NJ, deer are considered a 'potentially dangerous species' because of their ability to inflict serious physical harm to humans with their hooves and antlers."
Additional potential consequences of feeding deer include:
Increasing reproductive potential
Enhancing the spread of disease and parasites
Changing the deer's behavioral patterns
Sickening and killing deer
So, while you may think you are helping your deer neighbors, it may actually be harming them. And while you may feel bad that they are out during the cold New Jersey winters, they have adapted for this and can ensure their survival on their own.
"Deer are beautiful wild animals and should be afforded the respect they deserve," said the NJDEP. "Wildlife lovers are encouraged to enjoy their presence passively and allow them to live as the wild animals they are."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Deer attacks in Andover NJ: Why did Melvin the deer become aggressive?
