Hastings-On-Hudson Using Contraceptive To Control Deer Population
HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Humane Society is teaming up with a village in Westchester County to help control the growing deer population.
Hastings-on-Hudson is implementing a technique called immunocontraception, a vaccine that would prevent deer from becoming pregnant for two years.
Experts with the Humane Society will tranquillize, tag and vaccinate deer with the contraceptive known as PZP.
Many residents applaud the mayor for choosing an alternative to hunting, but some aren't sure it will work.
"It is humane, but I'm not sure if it will be that effective," resident John Spikarich told WCBS 880's Sean Adams. "I think it'll be a 50-50 chance of working out."
Officials are also looking for residents to grant permission so the researchers can tranquillize deer on private property.
In all, researchers plan to target about 60 female deer to start. The deer birth control experiment will be studied and monitored for the next five years.
For more information, click here.
Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com: