Motorists around Pelham Bay Park are being cautioned to watch for Bambi and her friends.
A new variable message sign along Shore Road warns about deer crossings that have become more common in recent years, according to City Island residents .
Councilman James Vacca had written to the city Department of Transportation in November asking that they implement a deer corridor sign program in the park, which is the city’s largest green space, similar to type that was recently installed on Staten Island.
After receiving the request the DOT installed a sign, an electric one, that can be moved and can announce various messages.
“This is more than just an eight and a half by 11 sign,” said Councilman. “I think it is very noticeable and it is very well placed on Shore Road right between City Island and Orchard Beach roads.”
The councilman noted that the sign can be moved to other locations around the park if it should become necessary.
“We are hoping that this creates an initial awareness, and then we take it from there,” the councilman said.
The response from the local community was unanimous, he said, adding that his interest in having deer signage installed in the park piqued after a program installing new signage was begun on Staten Island recently to cope with its increased deer population.
It would stand to reason that there would be deer population in the park because areas around Orchard Beach and City Island roads are areas with lots of wildlife, he said
“We have had several accidents involving deer in Pelham Bay Park,” he said.
John Doyle, of City Island Civic Association, “We want permanent signs that are easy for people to see when they are entering (the area),” he said.
Deer crossing signs are useful to the area because they alert motorists who may not be familiar with the area about road conditions associated with deer, said Doyle.
A DOT spokeswoman stated that the temporary sign was installed after learning of community concerns and speaking with local stakeholders.
