Hair Loss Syndrome in Black-tailed deer – Oregon Coast Range

This doe is healthy enough to bear and raise twins this summer.  She had a lot more hair a couple months ago.

black-tailed deer with hair-loss syndrome

But her hair loss is pretty severe right now.

You can see  the difference in the doe’s coat in a previous post: https://pamperingcampers.wordpress.com/tag/hair-loss-syndrome-in-black-tailed-deer/

Twin Fawn Butts

Although the fawns look like they have a healthy covering of hair (why is it called hair and not fur?), it looks like they’ve lost hair on their faces and necks.

Fawn with some hair loss

Does and fawns are more susceptible to the syndrome (caused by a mite I believe).  Mortality is higher in fawns.  If they lose too much hair, they can’t survive the cold winter months.

More info here: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/health_program/hairloss/

Furry Friends

We had a fun visit with our workamper friends who were camping at Tillicum Beach today.  We’ve met the nicest people while workamping!

Our friends are evidence that you always see what you are looking for.  That applies to nature too.

Pretty day on the Alsea Bay

 But they aren’t the furry ones.  When we got home the doe and twins were just coming into the yard to eat our fallen apples.

Pretty

The black-tailed deer herd is supposedly on the come-back from the hair-loss syndrome caused by mites.

Black-tailed Doe with some hair-loss

I see some hair loss on her and the fawns.  But I don’t know if this is an indication that it will get worse and they’ll suffer over the winter?

Only a few spots left

Overall they look pretty healthy.  The other fawn has lost all of its spots.  This one just has a few left on its hip.  Such a difference from 17 days ago when they had all their spots on a light brown coat.

Black-tailed Doe and Twins by the Alsea River

Read more about the hair-loss syndrome that has plagued the black-tailed deer in the Pacific NW since the mid-1990’s here:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/health_program/hairloss/