Are there too many deer in Port Townsend? What do you think? They walk in herds of sometimes up to seven  Is it a problem when traffic comes to a standstill? Are they annoying when they are indecisive when crossing the road? Rather than blocking traffic, the city should consider designing dear crossings above or below roadways. Deer population may still be overwhelmed by the normal flow of traffic, although designated deer crossings may be helpful.

I often wonder about the relationship between coyotes and deer. Is the relationship one of predator and prey? What about the risk of deer becoming roadkill?  I believe that deer-related auto accidents are an ongoing problem in Port Townsend.  Who removes roadkill, I often wonder.  Deer holding up traffic is simply a nuisance. That is why the City should invest in controlled deer crossings and population management to help control the deer herds in Port Townsend.

Ansel Harper, 13

Blue Heron Middle School