Editor’s note: This story has been updated from an earlier version to reflect the fact that the deer cull has started.
The city of Ann Arbor began its plans to undertake a deer cull at 24 designated Ann Arbor city parks in the northeast area beginning Jan 2. While no University of Michigan property is included, some park areas are adjacent to campus.
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City parks will be closed between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mondays-Fridays, from Jan. 1 to March 31, to carry out the deer-management plan, according to the announcement.
All parks will be open Saturdays and Sundays.
Signs will be posted at affected city park and nature area entrances to notify visitors of closures.
A few of the potential locations are adjacent or near university property. The Ann Arbor Police Department will be in contact with the U-M Police Department during this time.
The city has contracted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, whose marksmen will cull and remove up to 100 deer from designated Ann Arbor parks and nature areas.
A city statement said all deer-cull activities will be performed by highly experienced personnel who are specifically trained to conduct a cull in an urban setting with precision, accuracy and safety as top priorities.
George Graham
I see many deer grazing around the University and don’t know why its undeveloped areas are not included in the cull.
Brandy Moore
I do NOT understand how these deer are affecting anyone, they are harmless and sweet. I think we should leave them alone altogether.
Lauren Sargent
I think shooting harmless deer in parks so close to a large and preoccupied student population is unecessary and reckless. Students have better things to think about.