City launches urgent deer management program to enhance safety

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing deer management programs in Onondaga County, highlighting the necessity of these initiatives due to public health and safety concerns. Notable communities involved include Camillus, Solvay, DeWitt, Fayetteville, and Manlius.

The meeting underscored the significant number of deer-related motor vehicle accidents occurring within the city, which pose a serious risk to residents. Data from the Syracuse Police Department indicates a troubling trend in these incidents, particularly in areas with high deer populations. The officials noted that the overpopulation of deer adversely affects local parks, gardens, and the broader ecosystem, creating challenges not only for residents but also for the deer themselves.

Public health risks, particularly those associated with tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, were also cited as critical reasons for the deer management program. The officials emphasized that the program addresses a combination of issues: vehicle accidents, ecological impacts, and health risks.

The city has identified specific sites for deer management that comply with strict criteria set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Currently, the program is focused on the east, west, and south sides of the city, with no immediate need identified for the north side, where deer sightings are sporadic.

Under the recently signed Urban Deer Management pilot program, the city can now conduct management activities closer to occupied dwellings, provided they notify nearby property owners. This change, championed by Assembly Member Hunter and Senator Rachel May, has allowed the city to expand its deer management efforts, adding three new sites that were previously unavailable for such activities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring deer populations and their impacts on the community, ensuring that public safety and ecological balance remain priorities.