LANHAM, Md.- National Park Service officials resolved to curb the population of deer in Rock Creek Park through a combination of sharpshooting, euthanasia and contraceptives back in May, but a lawsuit against those plans will postpone action for at least a few more months.

An animal rights organization and a group of neighboring residents, who filed the suit jointly, specifically oppose killing the deer. Attorney Jessica Almy said reproductive control is more appropriate given the 120-year-old park’s city setting.

The National Park Service has agreed to hold off on the plans until a federal judge decides the merits of the suit on March 15.

A Save the Rock Creek Park Deer Facebook page has 237 likes.