Leave the deer alone

City leaders were wise to pass an ordinance against feeding deer. Limits of food and habitat control population growth. For now, it has been many days since we have seen any deer. While it is not hunting season, they seem to prefer not to be in the city. This makes one wonder if all the talk about a ‘herd' made any sense.

Unfortunately, a few city leaders are still pushing for bowhunting, even though the city's poll showed overwhelming opposition. If they push this through, the inevitable images of wounded deer should become a political liability. Other measures such as deer crossing signs, fencing and safer speed limits would help us to live in harmony with wildlife.

The best science is not on the side of urban hunting. The well-recognized ‘rebound effect' means hunting can end up increasing numbers of deer. This may not be obvious, but it is true.

We hope city leaders will listen to what most citizens want, do the right thing, and leave the deer alone.

DR. STEPHEN W. STIGERS, Cape Girardeau