Prevent future mass shootings of white-tailed deer in East Lansing City parks

Comments

#7

It’s wrong to kill for convenience. East Lansing and Meridian Township need to develop planting and development practices that are not so attractive to deer and other wildlife.

Andrea Becker (Lapeer, 2021-02-07)

#9

I want the shootings to to in EastLansing

Angel Fancher Fulkerson (Charlotte , 2021-02-07)

#10

This was done because of damage to landscape, gardens, etc. It had nothing to do with CWD, game mgmt, etc. To kill wildlife for this reason is atrocious. Especially when the parks have "Nature Area" signs present. This practice does not exhibit our love of nature. We must do better to coexist with wildlife!

Beth Contreras (East Lansing, 2021-02-07)

#13

I do not agree with the mass killing of healthy deer.

Cristi Pike (East Lansing, 2021-02-07)

#19

It is dangerous to park users and inherently cruel to slaughter deer when cities could utilize contraceptive measures to manage the population. We should be embarrassed to even contemplate such inhumane measures.

Nancy Wonch (Kewadin, 2021-02-07)

#26

I don’t want more innocent deer to die.

Katie Heeder (East Lansing, 2021-02-07)

#29

We need to protect the sweet wildlife that deserve to live in peace on this earth, which belongs to them. We have no right to unnecessarily kill healthy animals.

Shaina Mahler (Okemos, 2021-02-07)

#36

Deer have a right to live just like humans do.

Nick Veselenak (Byesville ohio, 2021-02-07)

#37

I was deeply saddened to learn that government officials are killing the deer in parks throughout East Lansing.
The following information is what I shared with the governments of East Lansing and Meridian Township. The latter is still engaged in major killings of deer.

While I have an East Lansing address, I live in Meridian Township, but my property backs up to Burcham Park in East Lansing.
I find this program useless, cruel and a waste of time and money and resources.
Among the reasons for killing the deer, bureaucrats cite “deer-human conflicts, deer-traffic accidents, disease transmitted to other animals and humans….” What conflict? that the deer eat a few plants and flower bulbs and bark from trees? It sounds as if the deer are hungry and need to be fed. If deer are already getting killed in traffic accidents, why kill more of them? If disease is spread, and government employees are randomly killing deer, are they killing sick deer or healthy deer? Do they learn this after the fact once they are dead?
Can people slow down while driving and pay attention to the road for animals crossings? Can signs be put up in areas where deer wander and alert drivers to watch for them?

What about the solace and peace that the innocent deer bring so many of us?
The deer do not have "conflict' with humans. Certain humans may have conflict with deer.
In this sad, challenging time in which we live and so many people die, could the government not be preserving animal life rather than destroying it?

Humans need to understand that they live in a world of animals and humans and need to be respectful of all life. I urge the cities to reconsider and stop this cruel, unnecessary program, immediately.
While I understand it is frightening for a deer to dart out in front of a moving vehicle and that great damage can result—to the humans, the deer and the vehicle, I also believe it is even more important for drivers to be more defensive, careful and mindful (not texting and speeding) than they currently are and that law enforcement officers enforce traffic safety laws and better manage reckless drivers. I hope the cities can also focus on educating the public about their driving habits, enforcing speed limits and and the importance of paying attention to the environments in which they drive. It would also be helpful to post more more signs for “deer crossings.”

I also find it intriguing that it is okay for people to complain about deer 'as pests' eating their flowers and plants and can mobilize government to have a program to kill the deer—yet who is looking out for the interests of those people who love the deer in their communities and the protection of the deer?

While it is good that the government is feeding the poor and hungry with venison -- there are other ways to feed the poor. I hope that in the future the government finds a better way to solve the problem and explore creative rather than easy solutions, including deer relocation, birth control and possibly other options. They might then be able to set their program as a role model for other communities to emulate which are grappling with the same issues throughout Michigan and the country. Also Australia struggles with a similar problem with kangaroos. They choose not to kill them and they far outnumber the humans!

Martha Bloomfield

Martha Bloomfield (East Lansing, 2021-02-07)

#39

The cull is unnecessary.

Kimberly Farlin (East Lansing , 2021-02-07)

#41

I want to immediately stop the slaughter of innocent deer in the East Lansing area.

Kathy Cosgray (Stockbridge, 2021-02-07)

#43

Deer are gentle creatures who do not deserve to be shot

Lauren Duncan (East Lansing , 2021-02-07)

#50

There is simply no need for this. The areas for wildlife are continually encroached upon. Rather than further decimate, we should value these remaining pockets of refuge and protect them.

Meg McMahon (Laingsburg, 2021-02-08)

#59

I don’t believe that shooting the deer is right.

Karen Wimberly (Bath, 2021-02-08)

#68

I'm tired of the cruelty, humans seem to feel they can take the life of anything they don't like.

Cydney Petersen (Ionia, 2021-02-08)

#69

I don't want the deer killed. Drivers need to be more cautious and home owners should plant flowers that the deer don't want. We are invading THEIR space. STOP THE CULL NOW

Cheryl Leek (Lansing, 2021-02-08)

#71

Animals shouldn't be slaughtered because humans encroach on their home territory.

Sandy Bashore (St. Johns, 2021-02-08)

#72

I'm signing because it's ridiculous that we are killing animals because they are coming into the communities. Instead of doing it this way why don't we just extend hunting season.

Shari Waterman (Lansing, 2021-02-08)

#73

Deer are lovely, peaceful animals that we should protect, not harm. Seeing them in parks and on trails within East Lansing has been a source of joy, especially during Covid.

Melanie Seal (East Lansing, 2021-02-08)

#82

We are living in their neighborhood, not the other way around.

Jean Buhler (East Lansing, 2021-02-09)

#84

This is just wrong! Volunteers have spent countless hours and dollars rehabbing most of these deer from babies.. going out and killing them "because" just isn't a valid reason. The DNR seems to have forgotten what they are here to protect , now they just wanna kill everything. Public is trespassing on the deers territory.... not the other way around.

Tinetha Parker (Lansing, 2021-02-09)

#86

Because its ridiculous to keep killing all the deer.
Theirs no teason why humans can't coexist with animals instead of always having to kill them. I used to think Lansing as a well educated area. But, not anymore.

Dee Donovan (Owosso, 2021-02-09)

#89

I am signing because we live in their world, not the other way around. Save nature's creatures.

Brenda Hershberger (Mason, 2021-02-09)

#90

I believe in Cheryl's mission and the mission of the Nottingham Nature Nook.

Michael Lapham (Bath, 2021-02-09)

#91

I believe that there is a better way.

Bobbi Hazelbaker (Indianapolis , 2021-02-09)

#93

i live 2 doors down from NNN and know and see how much hard work tgey do. plus I enjoy the deer in my backyard.

jason Woodrow1980 (east lansing , 2021-02-09)

#97

My niece attends horse riding lessons & camp at Nottingham. My sister in concerned for her childs safety with sharpshooters nearby. These innocent animals deserve more humane ending if there is overpopulation.

Janelle Michels (Grand Ledge , 2021-02-09)

#98

I’m a wildlife rehabilitator and know the importance of the absence of humans to nature’s success

Allyson Swanson (Grand Rapids , 2021-02-09)

#100

I am opposed to the killing of deer in our city.

LuAnn Williams (East Lansing, 2021-02-10)

#101

It's sad & disturbing that murder is what the council will do to save some plants in a personal garden! Everyone should have car insurance already!

Sheri Daniel (Dewitt, 2021-02-10)

#102

I care❤️

kelly wheaton (Haslett, 2021-02-10)

#103

I live in Clinton County and I want the deer protected at the preserve sanctuary that could potentially get killed in the East Lansing parks. They work hard at the sanctuary and their efforts are undone if the deer they help end up being shot at nearby parks.
I didn't allow any hunting on my property this year because of a doe and her two fawns who stayed on my premises all summer and fall. That would be cruel because they were not a nuisance and have sanctuary on my premises.
Thank you.

Kathleen Pierce (Ovid, Michigan , 2021-02-10)

#105

Because I too believe empathy and education are the answer!

Lindsey Stevens (Grand Rapids , 2021-02-10)

#106

We need to find better solutions. We have killed the predators that used to control deer populations and at the same time created ideal condition for browsers such as deer. Humans have created this problem. We should at least not kill these animals so close to a wildlife rehab.

Patience Miller (Eaton Rapids, 2021-02-10)

#107

My daughter goes to Nottingham Nature Nook, and we would like to protect the deer in that area. And the safety of the kids and adults going to Nottingham.

Jolene Hazen (Grand Ledge, 2021-02-10)

#111

I spent 6 years in East Lansing, up until July of 2020. I regularly ran and walked along Abbott Trail and got to watch the deer families absolutely thrive and grow in the natural spaces there. They were healthy, peaceful, and even had tons of healthy fawns that I got to watch grow up this past spring. I can’t imagine shooting these healthy, wonderful families that brought me and the natural area so much joy, especially considering the only reason they’re a “nuisance” is due to human’s causing habitat fragmentation. It’s truly an awful way to sustainably manage these deer and their ecosystem.

Maria Vicini (Colorado, 2021-02-10)

#113

i’m signing because i support this

annie tietsort (holt, 2021-02-11)

#114

It's cruel

Angela Ducharme (Elmira , 2021-02-11)

#115

I don’t want to see innocent deer who are trying to Survive be shot and killed because people don’t want them around.

April Roth (Holt, 2021-02-11)

#123

This is not necessary EVERY year! I think its done because homeowners find the deer a nuisance. Please lets end this senseless process.

Teri Lammers (Bath, 2021-02-11)

#125

I care deeply about all animals and do not believe deer, even an abundance of them, are a nuisance. Every creature has a right to life.

Elizabeth Scanlon (East Lansing, 2021-02-11)

#130

I am signing because killing innocent creatures is unacceptable.

Ekaterina Harris (Homer, 2021-02-12)

#132

I agree with the case outlined....we need to preserve our nature...

Sarah Gill (Wakefield, 2021-02-12)

#136

There is a better way to deal with the deer than sharpshooters.

MICHAEL ROS (EATON RAPIDS, 2021-02-12)

#149

I care about the animals and don’t think they should be killed at parks. Many people enjoy the deer sightings and it’s a blessing to have them around.

Sophie Arteaga (Miami Beach, 2021-02-14)

#150

There are other options that don't involve killing these innocent animals.

Michelle Twichell (Lansing, 2021-02-14)

#152

I believe there should be a safe zone for all creatures please keep these creatures safe.

Moriah Smith (Perry, 2021-02-15)

#154

Their are always better solutions than killing everything

Denise Donovan (Owosso , 2021-02-15)

#165

I love deer and they are beautiful Gods creatures.

Cindy Paz (Lockport , 2021-02-23)

#166

I am signing this petition so that we care for wildlife responsibly.

Nancy Gibson (Charlotte, 2021-02-23)

#168

I have lived in the area and surrounding areas for 30 plus years and these animals are not invasive we are! Nothing but their land has been used for homes and businesses leaving them without a home. Mass killing is not the answer! Especially when you have a rehabilitation center right there fixing what us humans have done to them!!

Jesse Killoran (Bath, 2021-02-26)