Protesters Angry Over Mount Lebanon Deer Culling Efforts

MOUNT LEBANON (KDKA) - People in Mount Lebanon are speaking out against the city's efforts to reduce the population, saying they fear for the safety of their children.

"I have to fight for the deer in my community I think they belong here," said Adrienne Salerno.

Protesters say they have been kept in the dark by commissioners and want parents to know what is going on, so they can keep their children safe.

"They don't even know that there are going to be high-powered rifles being utilized in the community. They think that the only thing that's going on is the archery that has come to an end already," said Barbara Sollenberger.

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A letter from the municipal manager to the Mt. Lebanon School District says no hunting will take place on safe walking routes nor within 1,000 feet of schools. It also says 150 whitetail deer will be culled by sharpshooters between now and Mar. 31.

"We want people to know there's guns on our streets, we don't know where they are, they are baiting the deer, you know? It's unethical," said one woman. "They've killed over a hundred deer. How many is enough?"

One protester is concerned that the company in charge of the deer cull doesn't have to play by state game rules.

"I think it's a huge safety issue to have hunters in our neighborhoods with high powered rifles with as close as the houses are. And I think that the normal rules for hunters don't apply here," said Jan Seybold.

The contractors will work on private property between the hours of 4 to 11 p.m. seven days a week, but are limited to Monday through Frday from 6 to 10 in public parks. those parks will remain open during the cull.