Tick Free Martha's Vineyard will launch an Island-wide aerial drone deer survey next week.
The survey will take place between February 15th and March 7th, using thermal drone technology to collect baseline data on the deer population and distribution.
Tick Free MV says deer are key hosts in the tick life cycle and the Vineyard has some of the highest rates of tick-borne diseases and allergies in the country.
The drone flights will take place between dusk and dawn using infrared cameras to locate the deer hotspots.
All drone launch and landing activities will take place in pre-approved locations with the permission of public and private landholders.
(Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP / Getty Images