Editor, OBSERVER:

Instead of reintroducing mountain lions to reduce deer populations and deer-car collisions, here’s a much simpler and more immediate solution: Stop hunting.

A Pennsylvania-based insurance company analyzed deer-vehicle collision data and found that the opening day and opening Saturday of deer hunting season are “two of the most dangerous days to drive.” The Missouri Insurance Information Service also concluded that deer-vehicle collisions increased during hunting season when terrified deer ran out of the woods and into roadways.

Hunting also actually increases deer populations, which increases the risk of deer-car collisions. In hunted populations, does are more likely to have twins and reproduce at a younger age. Immediately following a hunt, the spike in food and habitat availability can lead to a higher reproductive rate.

Simple, nonlethal deterrents such as warning signs, roadside sensors that trigger lights and whistles as cars approach to scare deer away, and laser beams that sound alarms to alert motorists to the presence of deer can reduce deer-vehicle collisions. And they do it without bringing in more animals who will likely also end up being victims of hunters, trappers, and ranchers.

MICHELLE KRETZER,

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Va.