Our View: Maybe feed the deer

The deer in Green River have been the root of a contentious debate for several years now.

It’s easy to see why too. A study conducted by the city a few years back revealed residents are nearly split 50/50 between people who want to leave them alone and those who want something to be done with them. With a split like that, it’s impossible to make a decision that doesn’t upset people.

While some people are content with leaving the deer alone and others would rather seen them rounded up and shipped out, or even killed, there might be a solution that ticks boxes for both sides of the argument. Something that may solve residents concerns about not wanting the deer shot or not wanting their gardens eaten might involve establishing a few feeding stations near FMC Park.

While we’re not sure of the logistics or cost of this idea it could help satisfy people wanting to keep the deer in town and those who don’t want them in their yards. A feeding area outside of the town would attract the deer from people’s homes, allowing them to congregate to one specific area. This could also be expanded into an area where residents and visitors can view the deer, parking to the side of the feeding area and watching or photographing them.

This feeding area could be a small tourist attraction for people traveling through the area, allowing visitors to stop off the interstate for a few hours to have a meal and watch the deer come in for a feeding.

Admittedly, this doesn’t solve the problem of deer taking residence in people’s yards. For this end of the issue, we can’t come up with a solution beyond relocating or even killing the offending deer. Relocating the animals may have the same effect as killing them because the deer have gotten so accustomed to life in Green River, not to mention the stress caused by relocating the deer in the first place. A lot simply wouldn’t survive.

The city could allow residents to build fencing specifically designed to keep deer and other larger animals out of properties they’re not welcome in. Nothing like barbed wire, as that certainly poses a threat to people and animals, but something that would deter them from walking onto a property.

The deer can be problematic for residents, but the might also offer an opportunity for the city. Hopefully the city and the Wyoming Game and Fish explore more options regarding Green River’s resident herd.