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Recent results of a survey conducted to assess Spring Hill residents support for reducing deer overpopulation in the area indicate significant support for proposed deer reduction efforts.
The Deer Task Force distributed 67 surveys to Spring Hill residents in July regarding their experiences with deer overpopulation.
A meeting was held Sept. 28 where task force members presented a Power Point slideshow highlighting the task force's mission, survey findings and recommendations for controlling deer population.
Out of the 67 surveys distributed, 51 were returned to the Deer Task Force. Of those surveyed, 87 percent considered deer population to be a nuisance.
The survey found 100 percent of the Spring Hill residents observed a deer in their yard in the past 12 months, 31 residents indicated they have observed 10 or more deer at one time in their yard, and 37 percent of the residents have witnessed a deer/vehicle collision in or near their neighborhood.
According to the report, there were 826 auto accidents as a result of deer in the county, and 93 accidents in the city last year. There were 326 deer-related accidents in the county, and 57 deer-related accidents in the city this year from January through August.
Jeff Grose, city council member and co-chair of the Warsaw Deer Task Force, offered petitions for the residents to fill out during the Sept. 28 meeting with Spring Hill residents to share with their neighbors.
Two petitions were distributed, one supporting the task force's recommendations and another petition for those against the proposal.
Grose and Mayor Ernie Wiggins said they have each received a few petitions from Spring Hill residents and said petitions are still being accepted.
They said the signed petitions will be given to city council members before the council's Nov. 6 meeting to provide them with guidance and information before being asked to approve the proposed deer reduction efforts.
