Live And Let Live

To the Editor:

I am writing for the first time to voice my concern about the thought to go ahead with a deer culling to limit the amount of Lyme disease, property damage, and auto incidents. My hope would be that you live and let live. We should not plant deer food and then complain that they are eating it (plant nonedible shrubs and flowers), put up a fence (you spent money on the plants at your choice so spend more for a fence).

We can complain about Lyme disease and how we get it (check yourself and pets daily), but it is not entirely the deer’s fault. And as for auto incidents, pay attention. If you are driving in New York City, you have to look out for pedestrians (what are we doing about that population). In the country, you have to look out for deer. Hopefully the town will not decide to have to tax us more to take care of everyone, especially when there is no concrete evidence (even if we kill 80–90 percent of the deer) that it will reduce Lyme. It would reduce damage (but that should be on your dime if you choose to plant) and auto accidents (pay attention and drive slower).

What is next, mice and squirrels in the attic? Do they carry ticks?

Sincerely,

Paul A. Brautigam

18 Bentagrass Lane, Newtown                                 March 17, 2010