To the editor:
The roaming herds of deer in the Crawford Estates area of Kelowna are causing major damage to my property and that of my neighbours. They have caused thousands of dollars damage to the trees, hedges, bushes and plants that have been nurtured for many years. We’ve resided here for 30 years but the problem has been escalating the past two.
On a regular basis I’m chasing two to five deer out of my yard, sometimes four times a day.
I’ve noticed my neighbours have invested in fencing, netting, screening and repellents in efforts to stop the animals, all to no avail.
The deer have become habituated to the area and I’m now noticing the second generation taking hold.
Trying to contact someone to address my concerns have been fruitless. I called the Provincial Conservation Branch only to be told it wasn’t their problem and to contact “the government in my area.”
Kelowna City Hall told me they didn’t look after these matters and to call the Conversation Branch.
The Regional District of the Central Okanagan told me to contact the Conservation Branch and provided me with a local number, which led to a recorded message from the Security Dept. of Justice Ministry which told me to leave a message, unfortunately their mailbox was full.
This invasive species is not unique to the Mission area, last week driving down Clifton Road I witnessed a vehicle with extensive front end damage and a deer dying on the side of the road. A second deer ran in front of my vehicle missing the windshield by inches. Two more deer followed in succession. It’s just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured in one of these incidents.
I’ve noticed herds of 10 to 15 deer roaming the Crawford area at all times of the day and night and can only think that there are hundreds roaming the city. Perhaps it’s time for a cull before we experience the same problems that other B.C communities have had to deal with.
Mike Humphries, Kelowna