Government sharpshooters are heading into the nighttime woods of Washington’s fabled Rock Creek Park to kill over 100 white-tail deer accused of nibbling too many tree seedlings.
As a result, the National Park Service is warning commuters, bikers and joggers to stay clear of the 4.4 square mile park chock full of deer.
“Commuters are encouraged to identify alternate routes to their destination and are reminded that closures apply to all vehicles including bikes,” said the Park Service.
The so-called “window of action for deer reduction” starts Tuesday and continues to March 31. Last year, under a similar plan, some 106 deer were killed and the meat provided to the homeless. There were 330 deer in the park before last year’s shoot, part of a three-year program.
The Park Service wants just 60 deer in the park, for a density of some 15-20 per square mile.
The reason for the kill: Overpopulated deer are eating virtually all of the park’s new tree seedlings.
The Park Service promised to deploy “extensive safety measures.”
“U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife biologists who are also highly trained firearms experts will work under the direction of National Park Service resource management specialists and in coordination with the U.S. Park Police and local law enforcement, to conduct reduction actions after dark,” said the service.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
