Expanded Wissahickon Valley Park curfew hours are now in effect for the 27th year in the “forever war” against deer. Also for the 4th year are additional land areas under the jurisdiction of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation where deer may be targeted for elimination. Two of these are Jack Horgan Memorial Field located at 8730 Old Line Road in Andorra and Allens Lane Art Center located at 601 W. Allens Lane in West Mt. Airy. Previously, they were off limits because they were not contiguous with the park.

The Special Use Permit issued by the PA Game Commission for Philadelphia now states in Section 4 under conditions, removal operations can take place “on all land owned and operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation” instead of listing the names of each individual park.

It is expected that upon completion of this winter’s citywide killing operation, the number of casualties will top 6,000 deer to date. Records are in response to requests under the Right to Know Law (RTKL).

Condemning deer to death for our short–sighted, persistent and harmful practices violates fundamental principles of justice. Their resilience to adapt to a human–dominated world has only perpetuated their relentless persecution. We cannot continue to run from ourselves and the consequences of our actions. So let’s stop beating the drum of Lyme disease, deer–vehicle accidents and ecological devastation. Wildlife management is an oxymoron ... We just have to manage us. Compassionate coexistence isn’t just possible — it’s necessary.

In 2013, naturalist and historian Sir David Attenborough described humans as “a plague on the earth.” He said, “We blame animals for everything.” And recently, The Guardian came out saying that we owe deer an apology.

Bridget W. Irons

Co–founder of Philadelphia Advocates for the Deer (PAD)