Oh Deer! Analyzing the Impact of RIT Expansion and Development on White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) and Vehicle Collisions from 1993-2014

Increases in both human and deer populations, combined with habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and decreased predation, have led to increases in deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs). The development of RIT over the past 20 years mimics typical urban/suburban development patterns, with documented deer-vehicle collisions. This research examines deer-vehicle collisions in regards to campus development, notably Park Point, to determine whether collisions are increasing or decreasing and to evaluate landscape variables that might be contributing factors. Data from 1993-2014, contributed by the RIT Campus Safety Office and the Monroe County Sheriff Office are modelled using ArcGIS software. This research builds on a previous research project and includes data collection via a social media survey. Findings show that strike counts are down, and that the areas of focus have shifted more toward the south. People are currently seeing more deer toward the south side of campus, indicating that the deer are possibly shifting their habitat preferences toward the south side of campus, which identifies several potential focus areas for RIT. It is recommended that RIT’s Facilities Management Services consider adding speed bumps or an alternative method such as flashing lights to alert drivers when deer are in the area along the southern loop to reduce driver speed and reduce the possibility of a deer strike in this area