Parks Canada is suggesting the reduction of numerous white-tailed deer at a historical site close to Quebec City due to concerns over rare plants and the safety of employees using the runway. Despite efforts to deter the deer from the island’s runway, the methods have not been effective, leading to the proposed cull.
Sophie Gaillard from the Montreal SPCA advocates for exploring non-lethal alternatives such as physical barriers or sterilization before resorting to lethal wildlife management practices. The proposal focuses on Grosse-Île, an island in the St. Lawrence River with a significant historical background, including a quarantine station dating back to 1832.
The white-tailed deer population on Grosse-Île, introduced in the 1980s, has thrived without predators or hunting restrictions, causing ecological imbalances. Parks Canada estimates the current deer population far exceeds the island’s capacity, posing risks to aviation safety and threatening plant species.
To address these issues, Parks Canada plans to regulate firearm use on the island and collaborate with Quebec’s Environment Ministry to enable a controlled hunt. The agency aims to protect the site’s unique flora and historical significance while managing the deer population effectively.
Public consultation on the proposed deer cull at Grosse-Île will continue until April 6, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the plan. The debate over balancing wildlife management and conservation efforts remains a topic of discussion among environmentalists and local authorities.
