Federal judge approves the use of sharpshooters to thin deer herd at Valley Forge
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PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge has approved plans to use sharpshooters to cull the bulging deer population at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Wednesday’s decision rejects a lawsuit filed by several animal-rights groups.
The National Park Service plans to begin the nighttime hunt next month.
U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg says it’s clear the park is overrun with white-tailed deer, causing damage to the park’s vegetation and habitat.
Goldberg says there’s no evidence the park service decision was capricious or arbitrary.
Animal-rights activists say the park should be maintained by natural means.
The 3,500-acre park is about 20 miles west of Philadelphia.
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-- Associated Press
Video: Deer at the park in 2008. Credit: photoPT via YouTube