Department of
Administration
Deer Management
2000 Executive Report on Deer Management
Communication Program | Controlled Archery Hunt | Deer Birth Control
Deer Population Survey | Deer/Vehicle Collisions | Fence Enclosure
Motion of Board of Commissioners | Signs | Strieter Lites | Wildlife Biologist | Conclusion
Like many suburban municipalities throughout the United States, the Township of Upper St. Clair has been faced with the problem of a burgeoning Whitetail Deer population. While many species are facing the crisis of extinction, Whitetail Deer (from hence on, to be referred to simply as deer) have seen a drastic population increase. According to the Pennsylvania State Game Commissions 1998-1999 Annual Report, Pennsylvania's deer population (pre-hunting season) can be estimated at 1.4 million.
The size of the herd has impacted the Township in a variety of ways. There have been a continuing high number of deer-vehicle collisions, as well as, damage to forests, agricultural crops, nursery stock and landscape plantings. In addition, a correlation between large deer populations and Lyme Disease, an arthritic disease contractible by humans, has raised public health concerns. Solutions and attitudes towards this problem are polarized and range from complete protection of the herd to population reduction through culling. Other options include fencing, repellents, and birth control.
As a result of community concerns regarding property damage and public health and safety, the Board of Commissioners considered implementing deer management techniques that would help adjust the population to acceptable ranges for the social and environmental conditions of Upper St. Clair. The Township researched and considered alternatives utilizing an Ad Hoc Deer Committee, resident input and Township staff. Recommended alternatives were developed with an attempt to be practical and fiscally conservative.
In 1998, the Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners adopted a motion regarding the implementation of various deer management initiatives including data collection and evaluation. The purpose of this report is to, using the original motion adopted by the Board of Commissioners as a guideline, evaluate and review the deer management initiatives the Township has implemented. The report may also serve as a basis for determining future plans.
The Township has implemented and/or completed the majority of initiatives adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
- Whitetail Management Associates has conducted controlled archery hunts in Township parks for the past two years, harvesting over 100 animals with minimal wounding rates.
- An infrared population survey recently conducted by AirScan, Inc. of Titusville, Florida will be evaluated by the Township's wildlife biologist.
- PennDOT and the Department of Public Works have installed several additional deer warning and crossing signs throughout the Township, as well as, .9 miles of Strieter-Lites on US Route 19. While touted as effective in reducing deer/vehicle collisions in other areas throughout the United States, the Township of Upper St. Clair has actually seen an increase in the number of accidents on this stretch of road.
- The Township's website provides information regarding the deer management program and is anticipating the addition of information for homeowners regarding protecting their property from deer damage.
- Installation of a deer fence to study deer exclusion is currently pending.
- The feasibility of PZP deer birth control, while not currently permitted by the PA Game Commission, has been examined by the Township and discussed with the PA Game Commission.
Township of Upper St. Clair · 1820 McLaughlin Run Road · Upper St.Clair, Pennsylvania 15241
Department of Administration · Phone: 412.831.9000 Ext. 219 · Fax: 412.831.9882
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