NEW JERSEY (WABC) — New Jersey officials say they are reducing the deer population by humanely euthanizing dozens of animals for an important and good reason, but environmental groups aren’t convinced.
New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection said it is culling, or killing, white-tailed deer found in Liberty State Park. It’s happening in an area that has been closed to the public for years.
The state says it’s a necessary step in the park’s revitalization program, and over 200 acres will eventually be used for wetlands, forestry and for a recreation area. But the decision has its critics.
The deer population feeds in the park within sight of Lady Liberty. Park visitors have seen the herds moving early in the morning and at night.
The animals are now being culled in a 200-acre track of parkland that has been fenced in, meaning hunters are allowed to come in at night and take out the deer population on the land that as long been off-limits because of legacy lead and arsenic contamination.
According to the DEP, the culling is being carried out because trees and vegetation that once provided food and cover for the deer have been cleared as part of the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program.
“All of a sudden the forest was gone, and not many people actually knew what they were doing, it’s because of a remediation of the soil since it’s built over a waste dump,” one critic said.
The mayor’s office said it did not know about the culling, stating:
“Unfortunately, DEP did not consult with the city prior to this decision, and we were only informed of the cull on Monday. This administration believes that animals should be treated with care and dignity, and we expect DEP to act similarly.”
Residents say they hope environmental officials are being transparent with the public over the purpose of the culling.
State officials say relocating the deer is not an option. DEP regulations do not allow deer to be moved to zoos or similar facilities because of the risk of disease transmission.
The DEP says the operation follows its guidelines for managing deer populations in areas where overpopulation can pose safety concerns.
Officials say the measures are intended to protect both public safety and the long-term health of the park as redevelopment continues.
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