NPS Considers Deer Reduction In Md. And W. Va. Historical Parks

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The National Park Service is considering strategies for reducing the white-tailed deer population in two parks in Maryland and West Virginia.

The agency said Monday that it's accepting public comment through March 20 on management alternatives for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland and Harpers Ferry National Park, straddling the Maryland-West Virginia border.

The agency says the deer density in some areas is three to seven times greater than the forest can sustain.

The four alternatives include both lethal and nonlethal strategies. Lethal methods would involve government or contract sharpshooters armed with rifles or bows.

The proposal targets four distinct areas along the 185-mile C&O Canal. They are Great Falls near Potomac; White's Ferry near Poolesville; Canal Farm near Dickerson; and Four Locks near Big Pool.