© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Protestors succeeded in bringing down numbers in Ann Arbor deer cull

deer in forest
Rodney Campbell
/
Flickr - http://michrad.io/1LXrdJM
Ann Arbor's third annual deer cull was not very successful

Protestors were able to reduce the number of deer killed in the city of Ann Arbor's annual cull this year.

The city is trying to reduce an overabundance of the animals because they affect traffic safety and biodiversity.  Many homeowners have also complained to the city that the deer are eating all their shrubs and gardens, and defecating on their properties.

The city approved a plan for sharpshooters to kill up to 250 deer, but they killed only 115.

A report says the freezing weather and inability to cull deer in restricted areas like near schools were bigger factors, but protestors seeking out the sharpshooters in their blinds and shouting to disrupt the cull also reduced its success.

The city says an overwhelming majority of residents support the cull.  But a vocal minority don't, because of safety fears, because it's violent, or because they love seeing deer close up.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
Related Content