The owner of a local cattle company told the Maui News earlier this year that there are as many as 70,000 deer on Moloka’i. Maui has about 50,000, and Lana’i has 30,000. Fleishour said his company’s mission isn’t to eradicate the deer but to control the population to foster a healthy ecosystem. “If we have thousands of animals running around, all of the dirt gets kicked up, erosion happens and it also affects the fishing system. So if we don’t control the population, we’re going to be in big trouble on a small island. The impact is felt right away.” He said with deer populations out of control, the animals can find themselves wandering onto roadways and creating traffic hazards for drivers. The situation could even make the State liable for not doing more to control the growing numbers.
Venison sale aims to promote ecological solution for invasive deer – Honolulu, Hawaii news, sports & weather
