Committee debates wildlife complaints; staff says DNR limits relocation and sterilization options
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Summary
Committee members discussed recurring complaints about deer, turkeys and groundhogs, the need for a city wildlife or habitat survey and limits imposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on moving deer or using sterilization programs.
The committee spent substantial time on neighborhood complaints about deer, turkeys and groundhogs and on whether the city should pursue a wildlife or habitat population survey to inform management options.
Committee members described concentrated complaints in neighborhoods adjacent to large natural areas and suggested the city may need a baseline wildlife and habitat survey before recommending interventions. City staff warned that state rules limit available options; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not allow relocation of deer and sterilization programs would require DNR approval and pose animal‑welfare and logistical challenges.
Why it matters: neighbors reported repeated property damage and some loss of vegetation in public natural areas. Committee members said a science‑based count would be necessary before recommending costly or controversial interventions.
Discussion and recommendations: members asked whether the committee could seek funding for a population survey using winter drone counts or other census methods; staff said such surveys are the standard approach but noted costs and seasonal constraints. A staff member told the committee that "the DNR will not let anyone move or transport deer," and that sterilization would need DNR approval and is generally discouraged because of the trauma and risks to the animals; those comments were given as reasons certain community options—capture/relocate or sterilization—are effectively off the table.
Multiple members recommended inviting university experts or Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff to present to the committee and to explore whether existing birding and volunteer data could form a rough baseline if a formal survey cannot be funded immediately. The committee discussed the possibility of recommending simple, low‑cost measures for residents (fencing, non‑toxic deterrents) while a larger habitat or population study is pursued.
No formal committee motion or vote was taken; members agreed to seek speakers from academic and agency partners and to explore potential funding for a winter population survey.