A herd of deer are causing safety concerns for motorists on the Tasman Peninsula

Why a growing number of deer on a Tasmanian road have motorists fearing for their safety.

A growing number of deer on the Tasman Peninsula is a “terrible and worrying problem” with fears for the safety of motorists.

Residents at Eaglehawk Neck say they have seen “some close calls” with cars with about 15 deer regularly seen during the day and night on roads and the beach.

Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding is concerned that with an influx of tourists after the Covid pandemic they pose a threat to motorists.

Footage from CCTV footage of deer outside of frustrated resident's home. Picture: Supplied

“They are a terrible problem and very worrying as they are spreading from Eaglehawk Neck to Taranna, they’ve even been sighted at Nubeena and Highcroft and near the Three Capes Walk,” Mr Spaulding said.

“For a couple of years tourist numbers have been down but we have people returning after ghost tours at Port Arthur and in the dark they can be on the road.

“The danger is they can launch themselves in the air and land on a car not like a kangaroo or wombat.

“It could end in loss of life.”

One Eaglehawk Neck resident posted on social media and was inundated with calls for action to reduce what they regard as a destructive pest.

“Over the years the numbers are really building up and residents at Penzance report regularly seeing a group of 13, wandering on the beach,” she said.

“You cannot drive on Waterfall Bay Rd, to the Tasman National Park, without seeing a deer crossing the road, day or night.

Eaglehawk neck. Picture: Supplied

“Having deer wandering across the roads poses a huge risk for motorists.

“The deer destroy gardens and are damaging the natural vegetation.”

Another said she had seen 12 on her property at 8 o’clock in the morning and when disturbed they “just jumped the fence into another property.

“I’m sick of them, they have eaten all my plants down.”

A Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania spokesperson said landowners could control deer on their property “in accordance with a Property Protection Permit” but it was an offence to discharge firearms within 250m of a house.

Footage from CCTV footage of deer outside of frustrated resident's home. Picture: Supplied

“The Department is also looking to undertake control of deer in peri-urban areas, with Eaglehawk Neck one of the priority areas under consideration,” she said.

“Game Services Tasmania within NRE Tas has begun initial community consultation, including discussions with land management agencies, relevant authorities, and local communities to develop an understanding of the operational context to inform future planned operations.”

A monitoring program is set to start next Autumn but she said dates were still to be confirmed.

Have you experienced a ‘close call’ with a deer in the same area? Let us know in the comments below!