The following table reports the average deer population in a total area of 7,417 square miles over a span of twelve years.


Year 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012

average deer population per square mile 23 19 18 17 15


In the year 2000, prior to hunting season, it was reported that an area of 7,417 square miles contained an average deer population of approximately 23 deer per square mile. Which of the following statements best describes the change in the deer population shown on the table?

A) The deer population density has stayed unchanged since 2003

B) There was an increase in the number of deer between 2000 and 2009

C) There was an approximate 35% decrease in the deer population density between the year 2000 and 2012

D) Between 2003 and 2009 there was an increase of 2 deer per square mile