INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Eighteen Indiana state parks will temporarily close their gates to visitors this month for hunts targeting deer that threaten native plants.



The parks will close to visitors on Nov. 14 and 15, and Nov. 28 and 29, but open to hunters eligible to take part in the hunts.



Reducing the parks' deer populations helps maintain habitat for other animals and state-endangered plants.



State wildlife biologists evaluate which parks need a deer reduction based on each park's habitat and previous deer-kill rates.



This year's chosen parks are: Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Indiana Dunes, McCormick's Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Prophetstown, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.



A hunt is also set for Spring Mill State Park's Cave River Valley Natural Area.