Deer cannot talk. They are not pets, decorations, nor cartoon characters. They are wild animals and they are not in town because we moved into their habitat. There are millions more acres of deer habitat than there are city acres. The deer are in town because there is an abundant food supply and no predators.

We, as stewards of wildlife, have done a reasonably good job of keeping the predator/prey relationship in balance to the benefit of everybody. It's called hunting season.

Unfortunately, we have a predator/prey imbalance in the city limits. Because we can't have wolves and mountain lions in town, we must become the predator. The predator/prey relationship is the natural way to manage the herd. To do otherwise invites disease and more negative and dangerous interactions with people, automobiles, and pets. Fortunately, as conscientious predators, we can put healthy, organic food on the tables of those in need.

Modern urban society has lost touch with the natural aspect of the predator/prey relationship. It's not wrong, cruel, or consumed with hate. It just is.

Mike McGuire

1114 Leslie