FILE - In a May 27, 2003 file photo, a White tailed deer flicks its tail as it stands alert while grazing in a field in Zelienople, Pa. The sprawling Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian reservation in the western part of North Carolina is trying to bring back the White-tailed deera cultural symbol. The tribe is partnering with state wildlife agencies in a long-term project it hopes will replenish the deer population on the 56,000-acre reservation. White-tailed deer figure prominently in Cherokee lore and cultural traditions. But there’s only a sparse population of the animal on the reservation. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) (The Associated Press)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The sprawling Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian reservation in the western part of North Carolina is trying to bring back a cultural symbol: White-tailed deer.
The tribe is partnering with state wildlife agencies in a long-term project it hopes will replenish the deer population on the 56,000-acre reservation.
Over the next three years, between 25 and 50 white-tailed deer will be relocated from Morrow Mountain State Park to the reservation.
The Cherokees will place the animals in a special habitat improved for browsing and off-limits to hunting. The program will begin this month.
Cherokee Principal Chief Michell Hicks praised the project.
White-tailed deer figure prominently in Cherokee lore and cultural traditions. But there's only a sparse population of the animal on the reservation, which is in parts of four counties.
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