the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SADDLE RIVER, NJ — In April 2025, Saddle River took a major step toward protecting its environment, public health, and community safety by conducting a comprehensive drone-based deer population survey in partnership with the Center for Environmental Studies at Raritan Valley Community College. The results are in—and they’re sounding an ecological alarm.
🔍 What Was Done: A Scientific Approach
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Survey Date: April 4, 2025
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Method: Thermal drone imaging
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Area Surveyed: 5.38 square miles (entire borough)
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Partner: Raritan Valley Community College, Center for Environmental Studies
📊 Key Findings from the 2025 Saddle River Deer Survey
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Total Deer Counted: 228
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Deer Density: 42 deer per square mile
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Recommended Sustainable Density: ~10 deer per square mile
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Overpopulation Rate: More than 4× the ecologically healthy limit
🌱 Why These Findings Matter
1. Environmental Damage
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Overpopulation is severely impacting native plant life and preventing the natural growth of trees and forest ecosystems.
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Alarmingly, 32% of Saddle River shows deer densities exceeding 50 deer per square mile, indicating extreme environmental stress.
2. Public Safety
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Elevated deer populations are directly linked to increased vehicle collisions, particularly during seasonal migration and mating periods.
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Communities in New Jersey have seen a notable drop in traffic accidents after implementing deer population controls.
3. Health Risks
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Deer are a primary host for ticks that transmit Lyme disease and other vector-borne illnesses.
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Lower deer numbers = lower tick populations = healthier residents.
4. Economic Costs
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Overabundant deer lead to costly damage to landscaping, gardens, and farmland.
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Increased municipal spending on road repairs, insurance claims, and wildlife services is an ongoing burden.
🔄 Next Steps for Saddle River
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✅ Expand current deer management efforts, exploring both traditional and non-lethal methods approved by the state
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✅ Implement a science-backed wildlife balance strategy
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✅ Track changes via follow-up drone surveys
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✅ Monitor vehicle collisions related to deer movement
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✅ Launch community education campaigns about local ecology and safety
🌿 A Shared Mission for Saddle River
Saddle River residents cherish the natural beauty and tranquility of their community. But these survey results confirm that unchecked deer overpopulation poses serious threats to our environment, health, and safety.
📢 “To maintain a healthy, thriving Saddle River for future generations, we must act responsibly and in unity,” said a Borough spokesperson.
By following the science and working together, Saddle River can restore ecological balance, reduce health risks, and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for all.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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The herd needs to be culled.
It’s that simple.
You know the population needs culling when I see way more deer than squirrels.
Cull the deer as well as the democrats!
Vance Luther Boelter has entered the chat.