Deer accidents, ticks

I am prompted to write in light of the recent announcement by the Friends of Wildlife organization to obtain signatures for a ballot measure to halt the plans for an urban deer archery season. I know most of the discussion of deer problems was about increased numbers of auto accidents and property damage by destroying plants. The following are two safety issues the public may not be aware of.

Recently the local news reported on the collision of a deer with a motorcycle. The motorcycle operator was fatally injured in the accident. Last year there was a similar fatal accident near Cape Girardeau. Of concern should be the increased number of scooter operators in the city. With more deer and scooters in Cape Girardeau, there is certainly an increased risk for more of these accidents.

Deer are prime hosts for ticks and they suffer many bites. Ticks are known to carry at least eight diseases that can be transmitted to humans. This list includes Lyme disease. More deer equals more ticks with a resulting increased risk of humans contracting one of these diseases. Some areas in town with concentrations of deer are around parks, Clippard and Blanchard schools. Is this the kind of risk we should expose children to?

Urban archery deer hunts have safely been held in other communities. I see no reason things would be different in Cape Girardeau.

If you really want to see a safer community, I urge you to consider these two safety issues.

MICHAEL FIEHLER, Cape Girardeau