Deer Management Plan and Background
The Committee for the University Environment (CUE) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have recommended that Binghamton University take steps to reduce the deer population in the Nature Preserve to help protect its ability to support a diverse population of plants and animals.
After exploring a variety of options, a deer removal operation conducted by Wildlife Services was chosen as an effective path to help re-establish the Nature Preserve as the outdoor laboratory and recreational area it is meant to be. Wildlife Services is a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program. This plan has been reviewed and approved by members of CUE.
The deer removal will take place when the campus is least populated and in locations that are greater than the legal distance from neighboring residences. CUE will monitor the activities and trained officers with the University's Police Department will ensure a safe environment during the process.
Wildlife Services is a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and provides Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts that threaten the Nation’s agricultural, natural, and property resources and human health and safety. Wildlife Services uses and recommends an integrated wildlife damage management approach in addressing problems and conflicts involving wildlife.
Wildlife Services professionals are wildlife biologists and wildlife specialists that are experts in addressing wildlife damage management. They always practice a principle of “SHE” – safe, humane, effective, and are experienced in a wide variety of wildlife damage and disease issues, including deer removal in sensitive areas. All of their experts must pass firearms safety and proficiency qualifications before participating in deer removal operations and must re-qualify on a yearly basis. They are trained and equipped with the latest tools and techniques to reduce disturbance and allow for efficient and safe, deer removal.
For more information email DMAP@binghamton.edu.
