ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - Sharpshooters will return to some Ann Arbor parks next month to thin out the herd.

The approved lethal cull for the winter of 2019 aims to address the impact of white tailed deer browsing in select areas with the lethal removal of up to 150 animals, according to the city. In addition, workers from the contractor White Buffalo will also work to sterilize some deer.

The permit allows lethal activities from Jan. 2 through Jan. 27 on both private property, subject to the owner’s consent, and public land. City leaders have posted information that shows select parks and nature areas as well as some property at the University of Michigan and Concordia University will close in the afternoon and evenings in January.

The below parks will be closed every day (including weekends) for all purposes Jan. 2–Jan. 27 from 3 p.m. to midnight.

1. Barton Nature Area (only the Foster area north of Warrington Drive)

2. Bird Hills Nature Area

3. Cedar Bend/Island Park

4. Foxfire West Nature Area

5. Huron Parkway/Braun Nature Areas

6. Leslie Park Golf Course

7. Leslie Woods Nature Area

8. Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area

9. Oakwoods Nature Area

10. South Pond Nature Area (only the area in the vicinity of the NAP office at 3875 E. Huron River Dr.)

11. Pending final authorization from University of Michigan, Nichols Arboretum will be closed on the following dates only: Jan. 7, 14 and 17 from 3 p.m.–midnight.

The city says sharpshooting will not occur from a moving vehicle, but may occur from a parked vehicle. Signage in multiple languages will be posted in closed parks, nature areas and university site entrances and notable access points at least 24 hours in advance of the Jan. 2 closure.

Residents living adjacent to designated parks or nature areas will be informed of closures via postcard.

To view the closure map, read answers to frequently asked questions or sign up for deer management email notifications, visit this link. Those with questions can email deermanagement@a2gov.org or call the deer hotline at 734-794-6295.