A state-approved plan to cull deer in an affluent Pittsburgh suburb — and shoot them — has begun despite opposition voiced by residents and some opponents from outside the municipality at a board of commissioners meeting.
Mount Lebanon officials have hired Tioga County-based Wildlife Specialists LLC to herd up to 150 deer into fenced-in areas, where they will be shot, through the end of the month.
The commissioners voted for the plan because of concerns about deer causing traffic accidents in the hilly, wooded community south of Pittsburgh.
Bait is used to attract the deer, which will be trapped and shot overnight.
The process has spawned protests from animal rights activists from outside the municipality as well as residents seeking what they believe are more humane measures.
At least one deer was reportedly killed early Wednesday, hours after a raucous commissioners' meeting.
