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Bambi Goes On Rampage In New Jersey

WOODLAND PARK, NJ (WCBS 880) - More than half a dozen deer greeted WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams as he entered Garret Mountain Reservation, an enchanted woodland towering over Paterson.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports from Woodland Park

The deer have become a scourge and, also at Rifle Camp Park, are devouring everything in sight, destroying native flora.

Two local ecological groups warn The Record that several plant and animal species can no longer be found at Garret Mountain, including blackberry bushes and many songbirds, like warblers.

"Years ago, people came up here to pick blueberries, but you can't find blueberries anymore. It's one of their favorite foods and everything is low down to the ground," ecologist Joel Labriola told Sean Adams.

A bow hunt last winter met criticism and probably won't be repeated.

Passaic County is thinking about replanting in fenced off areas protected from the deer, but, as with most public works, funding is an issue.

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