OH DEER! TOWN EYES CONTRACEPTIVES, CULL TO TRIM HERD

A central Nova Scotia town has become overrun with deer, and officials are considering options including contraceptives and a cull in a bid to control the growing urban herd. The deer have become common sights in the streets and gardens of Truro, and officials are holding a public information session Tuesday night at the local firehall. Town administrator Mike Dolter says some options include stronger enforcement of no-feeding bylaws, a contraception program to reduce the deer population over several years, or even a potential cull. Dolter says although other Canadian communities have used culls, Truro officials see it as an “extreme last resort measure.” He says a big problem is that people are feeding the deer, and a public education program is needed.