City Of Farmington Hills Announces Wildlife Biologist to Support Regional Deer Management Efforts
The City of Farmington Hills has partnered with the city of Southfield to hire a full‑time wildlife biologist through the USDA Wildlife Services program to support regional deer management initiatives. This new position will play a central role in implementing coordinated strategies to help address deer‑related issues affecting public safety, ecological health, and neighborhood quality of life.
“This full-time shared biologist allows our communities to take a more comprehensive and consistent approach to deer management,” said Karen Mondora, City Manager. “By working together, we will have better data, use consistent best practices, and strengthen our response to resident concerns.”
The biologist will support efforts by the Southeast Michigan Urban Deer Coalition (SEMIUDC) in developing timelines for management activities, assisting with data collection and analysis, helping communities implement urban archery programs where appropriate, and serving as a technical lead for deer removal efforts conducted under approved management plans.
In addition to deer‑specific work, the biologist will also assist SEMIUDC participating communities with other wildlife‑related concerns throughout the year, providing consistent expertise across a range of urban wildlife issues. The role also includes community education and coordination with partner agencies, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This new position aligns with the City of Farmington Hills ongoing efforts to evaluate local deer impacts. The City is currently participating in a regional deer management survey, open through November 1, to gather resident feedback on experiences with deer, traffic safety, landscaping impacts, and ecological concerns. The new biologist will use this community input to help inform future recommendations.
“Having a dedicated wildlife professional supporting our City is an important step forward,” Mondora said. “This shared position strengthens our ability to manage deer-related issues in a coordinated and effective manner.”