GRAND HAVEN—
Dozens of people came out to hear about controlling a growing deer population in Grand Haven.Last Friday, John Nedderman pled guilty to a misdemeanor, after police say he shot deer near his home. He said deer are causing erosion near his hilltop home. Most neighbors told us they understood Nedderman's frustrations, but they were concerned about someone shooting a rifle in a residential area.
Some people are calling for sterilization, some for deer hunts, but one expert says knowing deer behavior could be the key to keeping them off your property.
A group called Defenders of Urban Wildlife brought in 'The Deer Doctor', Sandy Baker, a garden expert who offers alternatives. "It's a five point program and the most important thing that I teach is deer behavior, Sandy told FOX 17 News. For example, Baker says deer are afraid of what they can't see. "If you were to have a fence that were this high and the deer can't see through it, the deer is imagining coyote on the other side," she added.
Several dozen people came out to hear the deer doctor's suggestions. City Council members were unable to attend due to a special session; they did send someone from the City Manager's office to take notes.
