A small number of Gelderland red deer can become a “major new attraction” for Flevoland, a forester expects from the State Forest Service. Seven animals have probably swum this year from the Veluwe via the edge lakes to the Spijk-Bremerberg nature reserve near Biddinghuizen.
The red deer were spotted there for the first time in April, says Jan Griekspoor of Staatsbosbeheer Broadcaster Flevoland. They were then captured with a camera. He has not yet encountered them in person, but he does see their tracks in the area.
Damage significantly
The arrival of the red deer is a concern for arable farmer Peter van Damme from Biddinghuizen. He informs the regional broadcaster that he is afraid of damage to his crops. “If they are all allowed to roam freely and they cross the lots, the damage is significant.” He would like a fence around the nature areas where the deer are located.
The agricultural organization LTO Noord has asked the province of Flevoland to quickly make a policy for the stray red deer in the province. That is now only for wildlife in the Oostvaardersplassen. The organization writes that it holds the province responsible for all damage the animals cause to agricultural crops.
Crossing
Forester Griekspoor also thinks it is important that there is a policy: “You can agree that they should not come here. You can also agree that you go for a small, manageable population. And then you have to put them in hand to keep.” He thinks that more deer from the Veluwe will make the crossing to Flevoland. “And if you like this place, and it looks like it, you will also have young.”
Red deer have so far only been found in a few places in the Netherlands, including the Veluwe and the Oostvaardersplassen.
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