West Virginia

here in Columbus. In the 25 years we’ve lived in this older residential neighborhood, there were always random deer sightings. However, the deer population exploded about seven years ago. We have had herds of up to a dozen hanging out in our yard. During rut, our yard is often the “Bambi Motel 6”. I know way more about the reproductive habits of deer than I ever should have to know.

We stopped growing flowers and vegetables, except for garlic. Everything gets mowed down. One year, they even ate the garlic, but it was early enough in the season that it grew back. They are completely unafraid of both humans and dogs. I have passed within three feet distance on my morning walk and had them barely look up from grazing. There are enough people who encourage and feed them that the city won’t take steps to control them. It sucks.