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Decline In Mule Deer Near Meeker

MEEKER, Colo. (AP) - The Colorado Division of Wildlife is concerned about a sharp decline in mule-deer numbers surrounding Meeker.

Deer in that area are estimated to have declined from somewhere between 75,000 and 85,000 in the early 2000s to 50,000 to 60,000 last year.

Area wildlife manager Bill de Vergie says it's one of the lowest deer counts in 30 years.

According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, heavy snow, cold temperatures, disease, predators, competition from elk, and habitat impacts such as roadkill and oil and gas development may be to blame.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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