Kimberley, B.C., councillors mull non-lethal method of controlling pesky deer

KIMBERLEY, B.C. – While one southeastern B.C. city is pressing ahead with plans to cull aggressive mule deer, another city in the same region has decided that scaring the creatures could be equally effective.

Kimberley council has voted to apply for a 48-hour experimental hazing permit, in hopes of frightening habituated deer out of the city limits.

Kimberley’s urban deer committee has already spoken to a professional deer hazer who has worked in Banff and Jasper, Alta., effectively ridding problem deer from populated areas of the national parks.

Experts say deer hazing can be an appropriate, non-lethal way of moving deer out of specific areas, although several methods, such as pyrotechnics or propane cannons, must be used interchangeably because deer quickly become accustomed to a single technique.

There have been numerous reports of people or pets being chased or kicked by habituated deer in several southern and southeastern B.C. cities, especially when females are protecting their fawns.

Councillors in Cranbrook, B.C., about 30 kilometres south of Kimberley, voted in February to cull up to 30 mule deer, although city officials won’t reveal when the creatures will be destroyed. (CHBZ)