Residents Near Arnold City Park Report Increased Presence of Deer

Residents in neighborhoods surrounding Arnold City Park are reporting an increased presence of deer in the area.

Juanita Stephens, of the 400 block of Oye Dr. in Arnold, told Patch she pulled in her driveway around 4 p.m. Wednesday and saw four fully grown deer in her neighbor's yard.

"They jumped the fence, ran across the street and jumped the fence into another neighbor's yard," she said. "It was so surprising, but they were beautiful."

Stephens, who has lived near the park for the majority of her life, says she's never seen that many deer in the area at once. She said, "And I've lived here through three major floods." 

Other residents in the area say they've seen evidence of an increased presence of deer - either in the way of shrubbery and bushes that have been eaten or deer droppings in their yards.

Susie Boone, Arnold's parks and recreation director, said the deer are trying to save themselves from the flooding recent heavy rains caused on the Meramec River.

"We haven't received any complaints about the deer, but most people who live near the park are used to seeing them when the river rises," she said. "Once the waters recede, they'll go back to their natural habitat."

Arnold City Park has been closed since Monday when the river crested at 33.6 feet. The river went down a bit Tuesday and started to rise again hit 33.7 feet on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The river is forecast to drop significantly over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Janet Stuckmeyer, manager at Stuckmeyer's Farm and Nursery in Fenton, says there's not a lot residents can do to protect their flower and vegetable gardens.

"Some people say cayenne pepper or deer deterrent sprays can protect flower and vegetable gardens, but you wouldn't want to spray the deterrents on your vegetables," she said. "The best advice is not to feed the deer."

Stuckmeyer said her business never had a problem with deer until the last few years. She said, "We put up an electric fence, but I know that's not a short-term option for residents."

Do you have any tips on deterring deer from munching on your shrubs, flower and veggie gardens? Share them with other Patch readers in the comments section.