Jason Fisher, a biologist and member of the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society (UWSS), admits there isnB次元官网网址檛 data to compare urban deer populations to deer populations in the wild. He said we canB次元官网网址檛 prove scientifically that the deer population has increased and claims that there isnB次元官网网址檛 any data available about deer population in Oak Bay because B次元官网网址渘one of us have the time frame or the proper temporal scale to make that call.B次元官网网址� If pressed, he would have to admit there isnB次元官网网址檛 any scientific evidence proving the deer contraception plan would work, either.

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Instead of providing us with facts and evidence, he and the UWSS want the public to stop thinking about deer population estimates, density of deer and the impending deer birth control experiment we are funding, and get comfortable with the status quo: dead and diseased deer on our streets, traffic and bicycle accidents, attacks on pets and humans, as well as the cost to the residents of Oak Bay in the restriction of flower and vegetable gardens, and the proliferation of expensive fencing that reduces the feeling of community.

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The UWSS has received public money, claiming to conduct scientific research into deer population control. Instead, we are receiving advice to change our minds and attitudes about urban deer, under the guise of quasi-science, and the illusion that we are making progress with the challenges of urban deer. Fisher references First Nations traditional knowledge of deer populations but, perhaps unsurprisingly, does not discuss the use of deer in indigenous diets.

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Oak Bay council has relegated deer management to a group that receives funding to promote their agenda of maintaining the urban deer population. Just as the residents of Sidney Island have implemented deer control, I implore the council to begin legitimate, evidence-based work with the province, federal government and First Nations community to control the urban deer population. ItB次元官网网址檚 irresponsible, and potentially dangerous, to give a special interest group funding and authority to set policy for our community.

Terry Vatrt

Oak Bay