SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Sioux City leaders passed the second of three readings on a deer feeding ban, Monday night.
Officials say the wildlife have become not just a nuisance, but a danger to drivers.
Still, some are questioning whether their efforts will be effective.
"I don't see how you're going to enforce this. Anybody who gets a ticket would be crazy not to take it to court and say it wasn't for the deer," asked Sioux City resident Priscilla Forsyth.
Council members made it clear that the feeding ban is the first step toward reducing the local herd.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires the city to implement the ban before taking other action to reduce the herd.
However, some residents are trying to convince the council not to move forward with their plans.
"They are a traffic hazard. There are lots of traffic accidents caused because we've got so many deer in the neighborhoods," said John Fitch.
"I have friends and family members that are feeding the deer, and the deer have stopped eating my flowers and everyone else's flowers because they are getting food," said another Sioux City resident, Robin Small.
The ban includes turkeys too, and will come to a final vote on October 8th.
Once it takes effect, the Iowa DNR will look at other measures to decrease the wildlife population, including extending the hunting season around Sioux City and allowing more bow hunting permits.
