Urban deer still safe in Kelowna as council rules out cull

KELOWNA – Urban deer in the city can go about their business knowing they’re safe from any kind of city-sponsored deer cull.

Despite a petition demanding action, Kelowna councillors on Monday followed staff advice and opted for membership in WildSafe B.C., an education and advocacy organization dedicated to reducing human conflicts with wildlife.

Parks service manager Blair Stewart in a report to council noted calls to the city about problem deer jumped in the last two years but still amounts to just a few dozen calls.

Most calls have been related to damaged lawns and gardens with a couple related to aggression towards pets, Stewart said.

Coun. Brad Sieben said the deer he sees on a regular basis do seem less shy than before but stopped short of calling them aggressive.

“From my perspective, (the complaints are) from the difference in behaviour,” he said. “I see them almost on a daily basis but they don’t move on like they used to when I get in my car.”

Coun. Charlie Hodge was concerned only that WildSafe B.C. be an educational group only and not involved in animal culls.

Coun. Luke Stack said whatever action council takes, it should not take away from animal control as being a provincial responsibility.

“This needs to be laid squarely with the province,” he said. “It’s a big job and needs to remain with the province.”

Stewart told councillors relief may be coming as the province tinkers with hunting regulations and expanding hunting opportunities in the areas around the city.

Councillors wasted little time discussing a deer cull other than to indicate tthey did not want to see one take place.

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