Deadly Deer Encounters: Reader Wants Flashing Sign in Front of John Chesnut Park

An East Lake resident is raising concerns about safety on East Lake Road and the wildlife that is killed on the road.

It's an ongoing issue Patch has covered over the last few months. In December, we told you about how deadly deer encounters are traumatizing drivers in the area. In November, we showed you signs that were put up in East Lake warning drivers about deer crossing the road.

Today, we're sharing a letter from Barb Walker, who is an East Lake resident, mother, Audubon Society Volunteer, wildlife activist and a blogger for East Lake and Palm Harbor Patch. Walker penned the letter below on Sunday, Jan. 13 after seeing a deer shot dead after it was hit by a vehicle on East Lake Road. Walker sent the letter to Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and members of the media:

I have been asking for a flashing deer warning sign in front of John Chesnut Park for more than a year and that has still not been accomplished.  The deer accidents in front of the park are numerous and severe.  I know we need long-term, well-thought out solutions, however, there are some things that could be done immediately that would help.  For example, placing a flashing sign in front of the park.

The deer also need to be euthanized more humanely and they should not be startled as they lay on the ground injured.  This means approaching them slowly and quietly, and perhaps throwing a towel over them or over their eyes to help ease their fear.  

Today's shooting took place on the Pinellas Trail in front of the park, near the corner close to the intersection of East Lake Road and Sandy Lane/Tarpon Woods Blvd.  The deer was very young. Another deer was seen in the median later in the day.  It is not clear if both were hit at the same time or not.  

People that are experienced with injured wildlife need to be handling these calls.  The poor deer tried to get up and walk away but likely her leg was broken.  She had a head injury as well.  One officer did pick her up and move her but it didn't look as if that was done properly.  Perhaps a better protocol and some training would be beneficial.

Thank you,
Barb Walker

What do you think should be done about deer in East Lake? Let us know in the comments section below.

Related-

• Deadly Deer Encounters Traumatize East Lake Drivers
• East Lake Adds More 'Deer Crossing' Signs to Local Roads
• Deer Eating Your Landscaping? Here's Advice To Stop Them