Politics & Government
Lloyd Harbor to Start Deer Culling Next Month
Trustees lift firearms prohibition to allow culling and reduce car accidents involving deer.
In response to a growing concern over public safety, Lloyd Harbor's Board of Trustees is moving forward with plans to cull the deer population in the village. At Monday night's meeting, the trustees voted unanimously to waive a prohibition on the discharge of firearms in order for the deer culling to take place.
The village's rapidly growing deer population has proven to be a threat to safety in the village over the past couple of months, with deer-related vehicle accidents happening as early as September. Of the seven vehicle accidents in the village in November, two involved a vehicle striking a deer, according to Lloyd Harbor Police Chief Charles Flynn, who gave the police report at Monday's meeting. There were also four additional cases of a vehicle striking a deer which did not result in an accident.
"They're looking for food, and they're more prone to crossing the street at night, when no one's around," said Lloyd Harbor Police Officer Denis Guariglia. "And it's an unlit road, so it's hard for drivers to see them darting out.
Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Lloyd Harbor Mayor Leland Hairr said he left messages with the state's Department of Environmental Conservation in order to obtain nuisance permits to start the culling. Permits also have to be renewed so culling can take place on the grounds of the village and Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, but Hairr said things should be ready by the start of next year.
"We think we now have the ability to start deer culling in January," Hairr said, adding that they would be able to extend the nuisance permits to March, if needed.
Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The board unanimously approved a resolution waiving the prohibition on discharging firearms in the village so culling could take place. Village attorney John Ritter also reminded board members that an additional prohibition would need to be waived if culling was to be done with bow and arrow as well.
Hairr said culling will only be done by licensed wildlife control agents approved by the state's Parks and Recreations Department, and the nuisance license would also permit them to use baiting.
The next meeting for Lloyd Harbor's Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 8 p.m. at Village Hall.
