DEARBORN — The recent deer cull at the University of Michigan-Dearborn ended this past Sunday. Hunters were initially called in to kill about 50 deer near the campus on Feb. 24 to reduce the animals’ population.

Last year an aerial study revealed 57 deer in the area. By this January, their numbers had increased to 76.  The increase in the number of deer exceeds the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommended limit of five to 10 for a tract that size. 

The hunters were expected to quell public health and safety concerns about the deer population.

Ken Kettenbeil, a university spokesman, said the growing herd had to be managed or it would continue to increase.  Collisions between deer and vehicles have risen sharply in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. The cull was launched in a 300-acre area managed by the university.

The goal was to shrink the number of deer by 20 to 25, but hunters are likely to have killed about 42 of the animals. The campus will still be left with more deer than the MDNR suggested limit.