Annual deer count shows decreased numbers

The number of deer within city limits in Green River appears to be going down, with less deer counted this year than in previous years.

The City of Green River conducted its ninth annual deer count on Friday, February 7, and reported that the total count shows a decline from last year's numbers. This year 72 deer were counted, as opposed to 112 counted last year.

"While the counts are not an exact science, it is scheduled around the same date and time each year, and those who help with the counts have been doing them consistently over the years," a press release from the city explained.

The survey is done in part with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, as well as members of the Green River Police Department and staff and volunteers. The city is divided into eight sections as counters drive all streets in their respective area looking for deer, the press release explained. Counters are asked not to enter backyards while doing their counts.

Samples of this year's counts included 23 deer in section five, which is the southernmost part of the city. There were 18 deer counted in section two, which is the west side of the city and south of the river. Section one, located around the rodeo arena, had a survey count of 15 deer.

"This year's count was the third lowest in the past nine years," the city reported. "The average number counted per year over the history of the survey is 89 deer."