Avon Lake: Share Your Deer Encounters with Online Survey

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka announced the city would be seeking input on the deer overpopulation in the city through a survey requested by the state.

“The survey is being conducted at the request of Geoff Westerfield,” Zilka said.

Westerfield is the assistant wildlife management supervisor at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The survey is designed to provide Westerfield with more information about the ongoing deer problem in Avon Lake. The city is hoping to glean some feedback from the community on how to handle the animals.

The announcement, made at the Aug. 26 council meeting, drew comments from councilman David Kos.

“I applaud your efforts on putting the deer survey out there,” Kos said, complimenting the neutrality of the questions.

“My one concern, I wish that Mr. Westerfield, while I’m appreciative that he’s involved now, I wish this survey would have taken place maybe a year and a half ago and we would have had participation from ODNR at this level of outreach to the community then.”

Had that happened, the city would have had an easier chance at legislation. Still, he said he was glad for the state’s involvement.

Residents can share their deer encounters through the survey by clicking on the link below, complete the form and drop it off at either City Hall or the Avon Lake Public Library or submit it electronically by September 6. Limit two forms per household.

Click here to take the online deer survey.