Residents say Ocean County town being overrun with deer
Holiday City seems to have an issue of overpopulation, so what’s the solution?
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The deer population seems to be taking over one Ocean County community, leaving some residents looking for answers.
Frances Izdebski and her husband moved to Holiday City Berkeley in Toms River to downsize and live a stress-free life as they inch closer to retirement.
But life is proving more stressful these days, as they dodge deer in the street - and clean up after them in their yard.
"They just mated in the summer… first we had twins, now we have triplets, now we have quadruplets, and I think that they’re going to mate again in October," Izdebski said.
While Frances loves animals, she also loves her new home but can’t enjoy it on a beautiful day like today.
"Me and my husband spend our time cleaning up the deer waste. And then the deer waste creates flies. We can’t really enjoy the outside because sometimes in the warm weather it really smells bad," Izdebski said.
She’s not the only one. Richard Diab lives down the street, and he moved there because he liked the neighborhood but never expected all these deer.
"People are very friendly, it’s quiet besides the fact that it’s 'Animal Kingdom.' This is not a big lawn, and you come out, and you’ll find 20 deer," Diab said.
Holiday City seems to have an issue of overpopulation, so what’s the solution?
The Izdebski’s have reached out to the Clubhouse board, Department of Environmental Protection, Animal Control and the mayor’s office. But the only solution they’ve been given is to report neighbors who are feeding the deer.
"I think it’s beyond fining somebody $500. There are so many of the deer… you’re going to fine a senior, make money and it doesn't make sense to me when they’re mating," Izdebski said.
News 12 also reached out to the mayor’s office and didn’t hear back but was told there’s a club board meeting scheduled for Wednesday - and the Izdebski's plan to be there.
"I’m hoping we can work together to come up with some solution that’s safe for everybody," Izdebski said.
