UPDATE: Deer Being Gunned Down at Rock Creek Park

Karen Lyons Kalmenson

BACKGROUND

While civilization continues to encroach on deer habitats, Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., has been a safe haven for these easily frightened prey animals. Despite stark opposition from the public, the National Park Service (NPS) has hired sharpshooters to massacre deer on this land. Many other deer will be cruelly netted, then finished off with a captive-bolt gun. Although research shows that deer numbers have been stable for 10 years, the NPS reportedly plans to have 150 deer killed. But the slaughtered animals won’t be the only victims as newborn fawns may be left to starve! Your voice is desperately needed.

Please politely remind NPS officials that Rock Creek Park’s deer numbers are stable. Urge them to halt the use of lethal control and to leave these animals alone. Then please forward this alert widely!


WHOM TO CONTACT

Tara Morrison, Park Superintendent
Rock Creek Park
National Park Service
tara_morrison@nps.gov
202-895-6004

Chief Ranger Nick Bartolomeo
Rock Creek Park
National Park Service
nick_bartolomeo@nps.gov
202-895-6010


SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Park Superintendent Morrison and Chief Ranger Bartolomeo,

National Park Service (NPS) has hired sharpshooters to massacre hundreds of deer at Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. in a misguided attempt to reduce deer numbers in populated areas even though numbers remain stable. Although this hunt is inherently cruel based on the premise alone, it is important to recognize it is based on erroneous information.

Please allow me to illustrate a few of these concerns. First, ecologically, populations will fluctuate according to conditions and naturally-occurring food sources; it is the interference of humans that causes imbalance. To blame and slaughter the deer for human encroachment is both irresponsible and unjustified.

Second, killing deer artificially increases food supplies to the remaining deer, the consequence of which is increased reproduction and an ensuing greater deer population. In fact, studies have demonstrated that the continual cycle of seasonal hunting is responsible for a rebound, or larger herd populations, in subsequent years.

Third, this type of mass killing using such a brutal type of slaughter in such a central and visible location would certainly adversely affect both visitation and tourism; it would be financially detrimental to continue with such a cruel and unnecessary killing, and although I do not currently reside in Washington D.C., I would be unwilling to consider it, or nearby, as a potential vacation destination if this deer cull continues.

Fourth, although research shows that deer numbers have been stable for 10 years, the NPS reportedly plans to have 150 deer killed. But the slaughtered animals won’t be the only victims as newborn fawns may be left to starve!

Please instead examine alternative, non-lethal options such as fencing, fertility control, and relocation according to established protocols when using these methods, which have all proven successful in curtailing deer populations.

I know your time is limited and I want to thank you for your attention to this urgent matter; I look forward to a positive resolution to this situation.

NAME

we are deer
you are on our land,
yet you kill us,
we do not understand.
we can easily share
this habitat.
put away your killing
toys…
and that is that!!!!

Karen Lyons Kalmenson