Deer Population Won't Be Controlled By Hatboro

HATBORO, PA — The increasing deer population won't be controlled by the borough, officials started.

At the Hatboro Borough Council's September meeting, a resident asked about controlling the deer population.

But that won't — and can't — be done by the borough, officials said.

Current ordinances do not permit hunting within borough limits.

In Pennsylvania, deer and other wildlife are regulated and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Borough officials said that residents with questions regarding deer populations, deer fertility control programs, hunting regulations, wildlife management practices, nuisance wildlife concerns, or other related matters should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for:

• • Managing Pennsylvania's wildlife populations, including deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and other species
• • Establishing hunting and trapping seasons and regulations
• • Monitoring wildlife populations and habitat conditions
• • Conducting wildlife research and conservation programs
• • Enforcing state game and wildlife laws
• • Managing state game lands
• • Investigating wildlife-related concerns and providing guidance to residents
• • Evaluating and approving wildlife management strategies, including any authorized deer population control programs

"While the Borough understands that residents may have concerns regarding deer populations and their impacts on landscaping, gardens, and vehicle safety, any changes to wildlife management practices must be addressed through the agencies authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to oversee these matters," officials said.