In 2013, the City of Mentor implemented a Deer Management program which combines urban bow-hunting and selective removal to address problems in our community caused by deer overpopulation. The goal of this program was to lessen the number of deer related vehicle accidents, improve the quality of our forests, increase the biodiversity of our natural areas, minimize damage to private property, and improve the overall health of the City’s deer herd by reducing herd size.
The deer population had outgrown its food supply. The herd devastated saplings, wildflowers and other under-story plants in the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, Mentor Marsh, and other natural areas, as well as causing significant damage to landscaping and private property. As a result of the over population, deer in our area were underweight making them more prone to disease. Birds and other forest animals were affected as well since over abundant deer populations degrade habitat and decimate many of the native plants other species rely on for food and habitat.
Since the implementation of Mentor’s deer management program, flora and fauna have rebounded dramatically in our natural areas. Visit the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve or Wildwood Cultural Center today and you’ll see that native plants including tree saplings, wildflowers and understory shrubs are returning to the forest in a big way. The return of native vegetation and the increase in biodiversity is a great sign that the program has been successful. The health of our deer herd has improved significantly, with deer weighing 20% more on average compared to when the program began. Deer vehicle collisions have been greatly reduced as well. In 2013 there were 98 reported deer vehicle collisions in Mentor, the highest rate of any city in the state. Since then, accidents caused by deer have been reduced by approximately 60%. This has been achieved through a combination of strategic population management and implementation of Deer Deter units placed along historically high incident corridors, which the City purchased through a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Another positive outcome of the Deer Management program is that 52,750 pounds of venison have been donated to food banks to feed the hungry in our area
In order to effectively manage our herd and address issues in the population before they arise, it is important that decisions be data driven. We conduct multiple surveys each year including trail camera surveys, aerial surveys, and vegetation surveys to ensure our management decisions are based on the best possible information available. This is also why we work with ODNR Division of Wildlife and USDA AHPIS Wildlife Services to help achieve our goals and improve the health of Mentor’s deer population. Deer management requires sensitivity to maintain balance, but the results are evident and encouraging. We are helping to promote a healthier herd and protecting our natural areas to ensure their future, not only for the enjoyment of our residents but also for the hundreds of other species which rely upon them.