Other threats are the destruction of habitat, automobile crashes, disease, and natural causes. In 1968 the deer was designated an endangered species. The population had lowered to about 300-400 deer. In 1980 there were fewer than 400 and now in 1995 there are 800-1000 established. The latest population estimates in the Roseburg area indicate there may be as many as 9000 individuals distributed unevenly over 1200 sq.
Reproduction occurs in the fall.
On the Columbian River, rutting activity begins the first week of November and probably reaches its peak during the second week. Although, some deer are capable of breeding as late as March. In Roseburg, the rut begins in early November and lasts until mid January with the peak of breeding occurring from mid November to mid December. There are drastic differences in the ratio of female to male population. Yearling and adult females consistently out-number yearling and adult males three to one.