Prevent future mass shootings of white-tailed deer in East Lansing City parks

In January of 2021, the City of East Lansing hired sharpshooters from the USDA to kill 65 white-tailed does, older fawns and bucks at Fine Park, Harrison Meadows, White Park, Burcham Park, Abbot Road Park and the Softball Complex & Aquatic Center. The East Lansing Softball Complex and Aquatic Center is located less than one half mile from Nottingham Nature Nook (NNN).

NNN is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary that provides a crucial service to the community. Cheryl, the founder of NNN has been awarded the East Lansing Crystal Award Special Recognition in both 2018 and 2020. NNN is the only licensed wildlife sanctuary in Clinton and Ingham counties that cares for both mammals and songbirds. Every year NNN takes in fawns that have been orphaned or injured. After raising and caring for these fawns for six months they are then released back into the wild. Unfortunately, although these fawns are safe at Nottingham they are no longer safe if they travel South through marshes and fields less than one half mile from their home.

As a community that prides itself on education, we should look for ways to appreciate and coexist with these creatures rather than simply kill them. As we continue to develop more of the green spaces in this community we will be faced with the challenge of how we can share this earth with all beings. Mass shooting are not the answer. Education and empathy are.