Every Missoulian loves the sight of our local wildlife. It brings a touch of nature into our urban life. Yet, we've all seen the negative implications of an overpopulated urban deer population – car accidents, decimated gardens, and in worst cases, our beloved pets being attacked. Unfortunately, these incidents are becoming all too common and highlight the fact that the current deer population is too high for our city's safety and health.

It's crucial that our city develops and implements a systematic plan to efficiently manage and reduce the urban deer population levels. Several cities, such as Helena, Montana, have successfully implemented urban deer management programs, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of such initiatives.

The consequences of inaction are grave: each year in the United States, around 1.5 million wildlife-vehicle collisions occur, causing over $1 billion in damages and nearly 200 human deaths (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2018). Furthermore, overpopulated deer herds can result in ecological imbalances that impact our vegetation and the habitats of other local wildlife species.

We are calling upon our city leaders to take immediate action. We all take pride in calling Missoula home, and it's time we manage the love we show for our wildlife in a way that ensures the sustainability of our natural environment, the safety of our infrastructure, and the well-being of our community.

Please join us in urging the city of Missoula to develop and implement a plan to manage and reduce the urban deer population. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard.