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Sharp Shooters May Be Called To Combat Deer Invasion
Deer Blamed For 700 Car Accidents In 2004
POSTED: 5:10 pm EDT August 9, 2005
UPDATED: 6:28 am EDT August 10, 2005
CINCINNATI -- Tri-state residents found themselves in a debate Tuesday over a deer dilemma in local parks, News 5's Juliette Vara reported.
Deer have invaded area parks and some residents believe it's time to take extreme measures to control the population.
The plan is to bring in sharp shooters to the Mount Airy Forest and California Woods. Park officials said there are about 600 deer in the area, but the number should be about 30.
Officials said the plan is to hire Cincinnati police officers are shooters to comb the parks in November 2006.
Experts said the deer are ruining yards and causing accidents. Police said more than 700 accidents were caused by deer in 2004.
A local man said his tomato garden was such a hit with deer this year, he moved it to higher ground.
The deer are also blamed for ruining the vegetation and causing erosion problems.
"You almost get the impression that someone came along with hedge clippers and manicured bushes," said Jim Godby, of Cincinnati parks.
The deer are running out of food, so they eat whatever they can find.
"That reduces the number of plants other animals can use (and) shrubs birds can nest in," Godby said.
Opponents believe shooting the deer is inhumane and would like to examine alternatives, like using tranquilizers or contraceptives.
The program would cost about $170,000, including $45,000 to pay the shooters and parks staff and $30,000 for public relations.
Officials said the meat would be donated to local food kitchens.
Deer Blamed For 700 Car Accidents In 2004
POSTED: 5:10 pm EDT August 9, 2005
UPDATED: 6:28 am EDT August 10, 2005
CINCINNATI -- Tri-state residents found themselves in a debate Tuesday over a deer dilemma in local parks, News 5's Juliette Vara reported.
Deer have invaded area parks and some residents believe it's time to take extreme measures to control the population.
The plan is to bring in sharp shooters to the Mount Airy Forest and California Woods. Park officials said there are about 600 deer in the area, but the number should be about 30.
Officials said the plan is to hire Cincinnati police officers are shooters to comb the parks in November 2006.
Experts said the deer are ruining yards and causing accidents. Police said more than 700 accidents were caused by deer in 2004.
A local man said his tomato garden was such a hit with deer this year, he moved it to higher ground.
The deer are also blamed for ruining the vegetation and causing erosion problems.
"You almost get the impression that someone came along with hedge clippers and manicured bushes," said Jim Godby, of Cincinnati parks.
The deer are running out of food, so they eat whatever they can find.
"That reduces the number of plants other animals can use (and) shrubs birds can nest in," Godby said.
Opponents believe shooting the deer is inhumane and would like to examine alternatives, like using tranquilizers or contraceptives.
The program would cost about $170,000, including $45,000 to pay the shooters and parks staff and $30,000 for public relations.
Officials said the meat would be donated to local food kitchens.
