My theory is always feces in the water supply. Cannibalism creates prions and spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. Farmers feed cows to cows and its really bad.
So what, when the deer is a vegetarian? How does a deer eat deer cells? Butt cells from pooping in the drinking water.
I'd wager the affected deer populations are those who are compressed into a small dense area without many options for clean water. Perhaps crowding from other invasive species (including humans)?
Easy test, find out if the healthy deer also have those minerals in the antlers.
My theory is always feces in the water supply. Cannibalism creates prions and spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. Farmers feed cows to cows and its really bad.
So what, when the deer is a vegetarian? How does a deer eat deer cells? Butt cells from pooping in the drinking water.
I'd wager the affected deer populations are those who are compressed into a small dense area without many options for clean water. Perhaps crowding from other invasive species (including humans)?
Easy test, find out if the healthy deer also have those minerals in the antlers.
Lots of deer eating from the same big bait pile is the normal explanation. Eating each other's spit.