Hudson Valley Deer Molting, Not Diseased, Say Officials

Residents in the Hudson Valley have reported seeing deer with patchy or missing hair, sparking concerns about disease. However, wildlife officials have clarified that the deer are undergoing a natural molting process, not suffering from illness. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) explained that white-tailed deer shed their coats twice a year, in spring and late summer, which is why many are noticing the changes now.

According to the DEC, deer that are genuinely diseased would show additional symptoms, such as leathery or wrinkled skin, which have not been observed in the majority of local reports. NewsBreak reports that this seasonal molting is a normal part of the deer’s preparation for winter, as they replace their thin, reddish summer coats with thicker, gray-brown winter coats.

The appearance of scruffy or patchy coats during this transition is entirely normal and not a cause for concern. The molt is triggered by changes in daylight and hormones, rather than disease. By late October, the deer will have grown their full winter coats and will appear sleek and healthy again.

For those concerned about the health of deer in New York, the DEC encourages contacting their Wildlife Health Unit for more information. Observer Today also notes that deer in the region are free from chronic wasting disease, a concern in other states, making the area attractive to hunters.