Dear Editor,
We have lived in Okotoks for almost 14 years and I have observed the deer problem and have made many calls to the Town of Okotoks.
I am in support of the elderly man and his dog that were attacked in Okotoks by a deer in his own yard. The Town commented about calling the Report a Poacher for aggressive deer and I have done that in the past and they say call the Town of Okotoks. I call the Town of Okotoks and they say call Report a Poacher.
Okotoks had a task force that studied the deer for years and made recommendations that frankly have no value. It talks about no deer-friendly plants and trees, which we have done at considerable expense, but it does not stop the deer from trampling everything and eating what they want, including grass.
I have called the Town, shared information about other communities that have large deer populations (Kimberley, B.C.) where several people, young and old, were attacked. Kimberley took action as it was responsible for the welfare of the residents that lived there. You can Google it and see for yourself.
I feel that the Town of Okotoks has a responsibility to protect the welfare of the residents, no different than being responsible for maintaining the pathways and streets (needs improvement). As an owner (Town of Okotoks), they are liable.
Many people that live in Okotoks, young and old, have shared their confrontations with deer. The deer are not afraid of humans; you can walk right up to them waving a shovel, broom or whatever and the deer don't care.
There are many school bus stops that are flooded with deer as kids are getting of the buses. Now with the bucks chasing the does around, I pray no child is in harm's way.
The bottom line is the Town of Okotoks has allowed this risk to grow and now needs to take care of it. Deer do not pay taxes and do not vote.
Lloyd Johnson
Okotoks