SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Sioux Falls police have started their annual culling of the city’s deer population.
This year the city has requested a permit from the South Dakota Deparmtent of Game, Fish and Parks for removing 70 deer. It is the sixth year that Sioux Falls has harvested deer to reduce property damage and improve the health of the city’s deer population.
Officials say high deer populations lead to increased competition among deer for food and a higher potential of spreading disease.
In 2019, a total of 60 deer were removed from southeastern and northeastern Sioux Falls. This year’s removal will focus on southeastern, western and northeastern parts of the city.
Authorities say traffic crashes involving deer in the southern area of Sioux Falls increased this past year.
Meat from harvested deer will be donated to area food banks. The harvest will be completed by Feb. 29.
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