Curbing the Deer in Upper Dublin

Upper Dublin is raging a battle. Each year, the municipality strategizes, plots and plans. They have an ongoing fight to win. What are they battling? Deer.

According to Nature Tourism, the state's population of deer has been on the rise since 1900.

"In suburban and urban areas, deer densities have reached 60 to 100 per square mile," said Nature Tourism's website. "Pennsylvania's population of whitetails has grown by 20 percent in the last five years, from 1.2 million to 1.6 million."

Those in Upper Dublin are all too aware of the issue. The township has had a pilot program in place since 2009 to help curb the overpopulation of the animal.

'What's the problem?,' one might ask. There are many challenges that face residents of the township.

From nibbling away at gardens, to ruining certain tree species, the deer can have a large impact on a community.

"Deer also pose as a serious threat to drivers, causing about 34,000 accidents per year in the state of Pennsylvania," said Nature Tourism's website.

In Upper Dublin specifically, the township focuses on three unique challenges the deer bring to residents of the area.

• Public Health & Safety
• Property Damage
• Police and Other Staff Response Time

In addition to car accidents, the public safety concern arrises in Upper Dublin, as deer often carry ticks, which can cause Lyme disease in residents.

The township also worries about the cost of the deer. Odd, right? Deer cost us money? But, in fact, the township explains, they do. Take the time our police officers spend on the matter.

"The Upper Dublin Township Police Department has responded to over 680 calls for service in the past 6.5 years for deer related issues," said the township. "The average amount of time an officer dedicates to this type of call is approximately 30 minutes."

Hunts have been suggested as one of the best ways to curb the population, and prevent such costs and problems. Montgomery County has organized lottery-based deer hunts in the past, as covered by Patch. The board of supervisors has deemed controlled hunts as one of the best way to manage the problem.

"After a thorough evaluation it was determined that the Upper Dublin Township Deer Management Program would be the most practical, cost effective, and proven control option available," said the township's website.

For more on the curbing of the deer population, visit the township's website to read the full management plan here.

For more on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources role in the management of deer, visit this website.