The City of Mercer Island is reminding Island residents that, especially this time of year, deer sightings on the Island can become more common. While the deer may enjoy the Island for its lack of predators, many residents can find the animals to be pests, as they eat plants and trees.

The city contracts with Regional Animal Service of King County, but RASKC does not deal with wildlife, handled by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Deer are protected year-round in the state, and it is not legal to hunt deer on Mercer Island. WDFW can help residents dealing with wildlife, and how to minimize damage to landscaping. Learn more online at wdfw.wa.gov.

To learn more contact the WDFW at (360) 902-2515 or via email at wildthing@dfw.wa.gov.