Hundreds of Deer Near Camp David to Die

Sharpshooters to thin herd

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- The National Park Service plans to kill hundreds of deer in the federal woodland surrounding the Camp David presidential retreat near Thurmont.

In the final Environmental Impact Statement for white-tailed deer management in Catoctin Mountain Park, the park service proposes killing about 900 deer over three years to thin a herd that is damaging the forest by excessive grazing on vegetation.

The reduction would be achieved mostly by sharpshooting, but some animals would be euthanized after removal from areas near buildings or park boundaries.

Park Resource Manager Sean Denniston said he didn't know how soon the action would begin after formal adoption of the plan, which is could occur as soon as next month.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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