Which three statements could explain the increase in the deer population? A. Rainfall was above average over the past five years B. A hawk species settled into the area five years ago C. Extremely harsh winters occurred during the past five years D. The number of cattle ranchers decreased in the past five years E. The law allowed an extended wolf hunting season for the past five years

D. The number of cattle ranchers decreased in the past five years

Explanation:

According to Jennifer M Schieltz and Daniel I Rubenstein (2016), "More than a quarter of earth's land surface is used for grazing domestic livestock." This has negative effects on availability of pasture for herbivorous wildlife such as the deer.

Increase in the number of cattle  ranchers decreases the availability of pasture and vice versa.

Hence, the decrease in the number of cattle ranchers over the past five years led to an increase in the deer population due to a decrease in competition for pasture.

it has to be b, about 97 percent.