Grand Rapids, MI – The city of Grand Rapids is grappling with a rising deer nuisance and an increase in car crashes involving deer. Reports of deer damaging private landscaping have nearly tripled in 2022, prompting city leaders to seek a solution. They plan to collaborate with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess the extent of the deer problem and determine whether further action is needed.
The city’s Public Safety Committee recently recommended reaching out to the DNR to discuss the issue and explore potential solutions. These could range from permits for deer culls, which involve reducing the deer population using sharpshooters, to education efforts that promote landscaping practices less attractive to deer. However, it is important to note that the DNR rarely conducts sterilization programs or relocates deer.
The concern about the deer population was initially raised by 2nd Ward commissioner Jon O’Connor, who received numerous complaints about the issue. He requested data on deer-vehicle collisions and nuisance reports to shed light on the extent of the problem. The data presented during a recent public committee meeting showed a significant increase in both deer nuisance reports and deer carcass collections between 2019 and 2022.
While traffic crashes involving deer in the city have fluctuated over the years, the numbers have remained within a range of about 78 to 100 crashes per year. In 2022, there were 84 reported deer crashes, with a slight increase from the previous year. The city plans to collaborate with county officials and the DNR to address the issue collectively.
Chad Stewart, a deer biologist from the DNR, explained that conducting deer population studies for cities can be costly and may yield inaccurate results. Instead, the department focuses on understanding the specific impacts and concerns of each community before offering tailored solutions. If local leaders believe that deer-vehicle crashes or nuisance issues are unacceptable and increasing, and that a deer cull is the appropriate solution, the DNR is open to issuing permits.
Other urban communities in Michigan, such as Ann Arbor and Jackson, have undergone deer culls in the past decade, which sparked controversy. In Southfield, voters approved an advisory question supporting a deer cull, while Whitehall allowed bow hunting to reduce the urban deer population.
Moving forward, Grand Rapids will engage in discussions with the DNR and county officials to determine the best course of action. Conducting surveys and seeking input from residents will also be considered. The goal is to address the impacts felt by the community while promoting a balanced and well-informed approach to resolving the issue.
In conclusion, Grand Rapids is actively seeking a solution to its rising deer nuisance and the increasing number of car crashes involving deer. Collaborative efforts with the DNR and county officials are underway to determine the extent of the problem and explore appropriate remedies. By considering various perspectives and engaging with the community, city leaders hope to find a resolution that prioritizes safety and addresses the concerns raised by residents.
