Pennsylvania

Mill Creek Metroparks Commissioner Discusses Deer Population, Albino Deer

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — On Monday evening, the Parks Commission of Mill Creek Metroparks met to discuss the increase in white-tailed deer populations in the area.

During a special presentation, the park’s natural resource manager explained the problems facing the area as deer numbers exceed sustainable numbers.

Some experts believe the area has the highest density of deer in the state.

Nick Derrico has been monitoring deer populations at all Mill Creek Metro Parks for several years.

Mill Creek Metropark has an average population of 387 deer per square mile. According to a series of surveys conducted by the park, Yellow Creek Park has the highest population density of deer at 674 per he square mile.

“That ideal range should be at 10 to 20 deer per square mile,” Derrico says. “We are currently the only county park district that does not address the deer population.”

Derrico says he now knows three albino deer that live in the park. People love to see them, but their prevalence indicates poor herd health and possible inbreeding.

“White deer are very important culturally to the region,” Derrico said. “They’re so cool to see. Very beautiful. But that should be a very rare sight. Albinism is one in 20,000 of his normal deer, or 1 in 30,000 of them. It should happen with probability.”

The park is still evaluating the best ways to reduce the deer population. They want public input. They plan to meet again next month to discuss their options.

For more information and a feedback survey regarding this issue, please visit: Mill Creek website.

https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/mill-creek-commissioners-discuss-deer-population-albino-deer/ Mill Creek Metroparks Commissioner Discusses Deer Population, Albino Deer

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