Deer Population Issue

Dec 11, 2007 15:11

Through facebook I received a link to the following link regarding a policy adopted recently by the school regarding the deer population ( Read more... )

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the email we all got calitetra December 12 2007, 01:26:37 UTC
As many of you have observed, the Goucher campus is inhabited by an ever-growing number of deer. Although most of us enjoy their presence on the campus, the deer bring with them numerous problems including Lyme disease, motor vehicle collisions, and environmental damage to the grounds and woods. In response to community concerns, the Risk Management Committee consulted with a Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist who recommended that the college strongly consider reducing the size of the herd through a managed hunt; this recommendation was based on his estimate that a campus of Goucher's size could adequately support a herd of 40 deer but is currently supporting a herd of approximately 200 deer.

As a result of the Committee's consultations with DNR, the college has authorized a local wildlife control firm, which is a state-licensed Animal & Deer Cooperator, to thin the deer herd over the holiday break. Although we recognize that the harvesting of a portion of the herd may be an upsetting proposition for some members of our community, expert advice tells us that it is necessary in order to maintain the overall health of the remaining deer. All meat will be donated to local homeless shelters.

For background information about deer control options, please visit the following website in order to better understand the college's decision: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/options.html.

After reading this informative article, please forward me any additional questions or concerns you may have.

Alexis Marchesiello

Director of Public Safety

Goucher College

410-337-6113

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