Moms Talk: Deer In Mentor

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question posed to them by readers or another member of council.

Obviously, the deer population has been a hot topic in Mentor for awhile. Now the city is asking residents to about their own experiences dealing with the deer.

So I am curious about your feelings as per the deer. Are they a hassle? A nice bit of wildlife in an otherwise urban environment? Flower killers? A little bit of all of that?

Donna Milnes:

I have lived in Mentor for over 40 years and, in the beginning, seeing a deer was very rare.

When my children were growing up, if we saw deer when walking through or Headlands Forest, it was a very special treat.

Unfortunately now my grandchildren think the deer are family pets, as they are always in my yard.

I really don’t mind the deer and there are no flowers in my yard anymore but the danger on the roadway is very real.

A phrase we all use (even the 3 year olds) when leaving the house is “watch out for deer,” as they are a serious threat when driving in Mentor.

As much as I like to see wildlife in our area, something realistically has to be done.

Renee Ochaya:

When we first moved to Mentor 10 years ago, I loved the deer.

It was neat to enjoy breakfast with the kids while enjoying the deer in our backyard. As the population has increased ,we have lost several plants and trees to the deer, which is a minor inconvenience.

My biggest concern is for safety. There have been numerous car accidents involving deer in Mentor which obviously is both a safety issue and a financial issue.

With a teen and a preteen who will be driving soon, the safety on the roads is my biggest concern.

Gloria Kilfoyle:

The deer have done much damage to my plants and even put a hole in my picnic table by apparently jumping over it. A hoof must have hit the seat and now there is a big hole in it.

But I do feel sorry for the deer since this was their territory first. What to do about them is a difficult decision.

They are dangerous, true, but they are also lovely to watch.

Can't we sterilize them to bring down the population?

Mary Jo Stack:

When six deer can walk down the middle of your street unmoved by sound, people, cars, etc., there is something wrong.

Aside from the destruction of our yard, the park (Veterans) is bare. The deer even look sickly.

Overpopulation is the cause, and its effects are horrible to the plant life in the park and in my yard.

I can't remember the last time I drove in my car without fear of deer darting into the road. I fear for drivers, pets and children.

It is beyond time to cull the herd.