Study Goals

     The primary objective on Shelter Island is to evaluate the effect of 4-Poster devices on tick numbers, deer density, deer behavior, and non-target wildlife.  The village of North Haven will be used as a "control site" to compare tick numbers, deer density, and deer behavior in the absence of 4-Posters.  On Shelter Island, we will examine deer use of 4-Poster devices, and the impact device placement has on deer vehicle collisions as well as the surrounding vegetation.  In addition, we will estimate both deer and tick densities, and evaluate the ability of 4-Poster technology to reduce tick abundance.  Devices are also being deployed on western Fire Island to try to reduce tick numbers their as well.  Due to aspects of tick biology, the full impact of 4-Poster use will not be known for at least two to three years. 

Study Areas

Shelter Island and North Haven are located on the eastern end of Long Island, NY.

Shelter Island is divided into two study areas, Area A (South) is outlined in blue, and Area B (North) in green.  The control site outlined in yellow is all of North Haven.