Peaceful Coexistence with White-tailed Deer and Humane Deer Strategies in The United States
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© Autumn Buck by Robert Wavra |
SUCCESSFUL NON-LETHAL DEER STRATEGIES IN THE
UNTIED STATES THAT INCLUDE BOTH PZP AND SURGICAL STERILIZATION.
A deer sterilization project starting in 2013 was approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to control the deer population at a retirement community in San Jose California.
In 2014, The National Institutes of Health embarked on a non-lethal deer management plan to neuter adult females on their Bethesda Campus. By 2017, their deer herds reached a healthier size.
In 2015 Local Veterianrian Dr. Jeffrey Newman, Owner and veterinarian of Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Northern Virginia, participated in the Surgical Deer Program in Fairfax City, Virginia.
In 2016, Global Wildlife Diversity Specialist Dave Pauli and Kali Pereira began deer contraception research in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. In 2022, Kali Pereira and Allen Rutberg PhD, Director of the Center for Animals and Public Policy at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, presented their findings at the 9th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control.
In 2017, The United States Environmental Protection Agency approved PZP (Porcine Zona Pellucida) for use as a contraceptive in wild horses and burros, and female white-tailed deer. Although PZP is federally registered, state approval is required to use it on deer.
SCIENCE BASED
HUMANE DEER MANAGEMENT AND PZP RESOURCES
NEWS ARTICLES
Two beautiful articles by The Humane Gardener, Nancy Lawson, on living with wildlife humanely, favoring peaceful coexistence with deer:
2. Deer Eat This Garden (and it flourishes)
February 24, 2025 Document: The Falls Church City Council adopted (TO25-01) City Code Chapter 28, Miscellaneous Offenses to ban hunting activities within the municipal boundaries of the City of Falls Church.
The ordinance was brought forth by Maria Rojas, Executive Assistant to the Falls Church City Manager, to prevent safety risks associated with hunting in densely populated areas and remove outdated references to lawful hunting practices. The motion passed unanimously 6-0.
The adopted ordinance will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for inclusion in the Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest by the May 1, 2025 deadline.
March 24, 2025 Personal Email: From March 17 to 21, 2025 Arlington County conducted a second Aerial Drone Survey to Measure Deer Population. Jerusalem Solomon, Communications and Engagement Manager Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, stated, “The final cost for the drone survey work was $34,642.” The initial Deer Survey was conducted in 2021.
WORLD LEADING AND LOCAL ANIMAL RIGHTS AND WELFARE ORGANIZATION POSITION STATEMENTS ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AND HUMANE DEER MANAGEMENT
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY
ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ARLINGTON
ANIMAL PROTECTION LEAGUE OF NEW JERSEY
TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
About the Artist: Robert J. Wavra is a self-taught artist. He developed his talent and style over many years of painting. National and international private art collectors have acquired his work. His wildlife and nature artwork illuminates and reveals the beauty of the natural world. Visit The Art of Robert Wavra
