Aug 6, 2015 2 min read

I recently read the article “Lebo Votes to Cull Deer with Archers” in the July 22-28, 2015 issue of The Almanac and wish to congratulate the residents and commissioners of Mt. Lebanon for reacting to control a serious safety issue affecting their community. Unfortunately, elected representatives here in Bethel Park are apparently not yet convinced of the safety issue in our community.

Last year, my car struck a deer that raced across a road in Bethel Park. I doubt many people report them to the police, but several of my neighbors have had this shocking experience. This year, I hit yet another deer, but in a different community. Luckily, there were no injuries to my family or me, as I was able to keep the automobile in my lane, but the damages totaled more than $8,000 to my poor automobile.

I am not a hunter and have always enjoyed watching deer and other wild animals. However, after the harrowing experience of a bone-crunching crash and fears of night driving, I feel the time has come for Bethel Park to take some proactive action for the general safety of our residents. Wild animals are fine as long as they are in the wild. In residential neighborhoods, they leave filthy droppings and dangerous ticks that also affect our safety and health. These safety concerns now trump my love of animals.

I recall seeing bow hunters in trees in the park some years back. This controlled technique is safe and goes largely unnoticed by those who have not yet recognized the safety issue involved. This culling strategy would be a good idea for Bethel Park as well. I would be happy to host such hunters on my property (which seems to be a highway for deer entering our neighborhood).

Richard Gainar

Bethel Park