MCCANDLESS, Pa. — McCandless wants to organize an archery hunt to help cut down its booming deer population.
Deer have been blamed for spreading Lyme disease by carrying infected ticks. Last month, the township made it illegal to feed deer in the area -- but officials want to take this fight even further now.
[ RELATED: McCandless residents feeding deer could face fines or jail time ]
A lot of people told Channel 11 that North Park could be a major reason why the deer problem in McCandless is so much worse than other areas.
A woman who lives about 10 minutes from North Park said she has seen a lot more deer in the region over the past several years, and she believes deer gave her Lyme disease.
“I act like I have MS. I can’t walk, I have too much pain to use a walker -- so I use hiking poles,” said Terri Spirk.
Now McCandless leaders are thinking about organizing an archery unit to help reduce the number of deer, which can then limit diseases and possibly car accidents. One of the owners of Chuck’s Autobody Shop told Channel 11 he is seeing deer accidents on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, Bob Grimm -- McCandless’ town manager -- said North Park definitely plays a factor, as well as the growing developments in the North Hills with lots of surrounding wooded areas.
As part of the ordinance passed in March, you can face jail time or a fine of up to $500 for feeding deer, depending on how many times you are caught.
The township council has not scheduled a vote yet on whether to move forward with an organized archery unit.