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Deer-trapping program continues in Pepper Pike
(by Sali McSherry - January 13, 2010)
Deer-trapping program continues in Pepper Pike
By SALI McSHERRY
Pepper Pike's deer-culling program began Dec. 1 and will end March 1.
In December, 13 deer were culled with five traps. In January, there are eight locations where traps were placed, and two deer have been culled, according to Pepper Pike police.
Sixty deer were culled in the 2008-2009 and the 2007-2008 seasons, according to police Lt. Terry Pristas.
The last aerial survey was conducted in January 2009, he said, and showed about 168 deer in the city. While the desired goal is between 10 and 15 deer per square mile, last year, following the culling program, there were about 23 deer per square mile, he said. Even though it was higher than last year, is was a culturally acceptable number, Mr. Pristas said. The number of deer-vehicle accidents also has decreased since the program was initiated, he said.
Prior to the city's first deer-culling program in 2004, an aerial survey showed about 30 deer per square mile. That number decreased to about 17 per square mile following the culling season.
Over two years ago, City Council voted by a narrow margin to reduce the price of deer traps for residents from $200 to $100, and the city paid the remaining $300 for each trap. Previously, the city and resident split the cost evenly.
Mayor Bruce H. Akers said that, to make the culling program a success, it makes sense to encourage people to participate. If it's too expensive, residents won't participate, he said.
It's an ongoing program that needs to be maintained in order to keep the numbers in check, Mr. Pristas said.
The city leases traps from Miller Animal Control, of Oakwood, and in the past paid an additional $100 per deer for handling the euthanized deer. All meat was donated to the Cleveland Food Bank
Four years ago, City Council approved using the clover trapping and captive-bolt method for euthanizing deer.
Deer culling is controlled by the number of permits Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, issues, Mr. Akers said.
The traps, he said, are chain-link cages, 8 feet long, 6 feet high and 2 1/2 feet wide. Residents who were interested in the culling program had to prove to ODNR that their property had suffered damage from deer, such as a garden that had been destroyed. ODNR made an on-site visit and then a determination. A survey among neighbors is also part of the application process, according to police.
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